Botanical

watercolor

workshops

Dive into watercolor botanicals! It’s a fun, creative way to bond with nature. The fluidity of watercolor bring plants to life, boosting your eye for detail and patience—all while having a blast!

Painting orchids in the Twin Cities

3-Day Watercolor Workshop | Twin Cities, MN | Sept 5–7 | $425
Join Cris Godoy, former Minnesota resident and botanical artist, for an immersive 3-day watercolor workshop focused on orchids, combining expert guidance, practice, and personal expression

DAY 1 – Watercolor Foundations (5 hours, time TBA)
Perfect for beginners and skill refreshers, this session covers:

  • Even washes

  • Layering techniques

  • Wet-on-wet vs. wet-on-dry

  • Brush control and expressive strokes

  • Basic drawing and composition made simple

  • Exploring various methods to find your style

    DAY 2 – Botanical Painting Techniques

Location TBA (likely Como Zoo Conservatory)

 5 hours (exact time TBA)

We’ll dive into the intricacies of botanical watercolor, focusing on precision and sensitivity while still allowing room for personal interpretation.

You’ll learn:

  • Core techniques of botanical illustration in watercolor 

  • A brief but essential overview of color theory

  • Understanding tonal values to create strong, dimensional forms

DAY 3 – Complete Your Orchid Painting

Location TBA (likely Como Zoo Conservatory)

 5 hours (exact time TBA)

This final day is where everything comes together. You’ll begin and complete your own orchid painting, guided by Cris and Pam.

We’ll explore:

  • How to build a painting from start to finish

  • Warm and cool color temperatures and how they affect depth and atmosphere

  • Final layers, finishing techniques, and subtle details that bring a botanical subject to life

You’ll leave with new skills, a finished piece, and a deeper understanding of botanical watercolor.

 DETAILS

  •  Material list provided upon registration (materials not included)

  •  Participants are responsible for their own lunch, transportation, and lodging

  •  All levels welcome — especially those curious about botanical art

  •  Day 2 & 3 venue will be confirmed upon registration — most likely the historic Como Park Zoo & Conservatory 

Cost: $425

Spaces are limited. Early registration encouraged

Painting orchids at Selby Gardens

Botanical Watercolor Workshop: From Pencil Sketch to Finished Painting

THIS IS A THREE-PART SERIES

Dates: 9/13, 9/20, 9/27

more details here

Watercoloring in Portugal

Join us at the 7th International Meeting Street Sketching in Torres Vedras, Portugal, from October 3 to 4, 2025

more details here