Laura Watson

Botanical Artist | Nature Journaler

Laura Watson is a botanical artist based on Vancouver Island, Canada. Her lifelong love of plants began in childhood and continues to inspire her detailed watercolor botanical portraits and teaching practice. She holds a Diploma with Distinction in Botanical Painting from the London Art College and a diploma from the Society of Botanical Artists (SBA) in the UK. In 2015, Laura was accepted into the Botanical Artists of Canada (BAC). Her work centers on nature journaling, particularly her ongoing Native Plants Feature Series, which documents the native flora of the Pacific Northwest through intricate watercolor and ink illustrations.

Sketching in nature 

Her passion for botany has led her to participate in rare plant surveys alongside published authors and scientists throughout British Columbia. Laura has studied the diverse flora and fauna of northern and interior BC, exploring unique ecosystems such as the subarctic tundra, the lush biodiversity around Liard Hot Springs, the arid landscapes of the Thompson Okanagan, and the fragile ecosystems of the BC grasslands. These experiences have deepened her understanding of native plant species, enriching both her artwork and her ability to teach botanical art with scientific accuracy and insight.

Rattlesnake Plantain | Goodyera oblongifolia

Laura shares her expertise through her YouTube channel, offering free tip videos, and teaches privately online with one-on-one Zoom sessions, workshops, and through The Watercolor Garden, her membership site that provides access to all of her recorded full-length classes. Whether you are new to botanical art or looking to enhance your skills, Laura provides a welcoming and supportive learning environment.

Naked Broomrape | Aphyllon uniflorum

Projects & Collaborations

In addition to teaching, Laura offers a variety of services, including botanical illustration for nature pamphlets and signage, leading local workshops, nature sketching outings, and speaking engagements on botanical art and native plants. 

The Liard collection | Ink illustrations from Liard Hot Springs

For inquiries or interest in working together on any of these projects, please contact Laura by email.