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

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

Spaces are limited. Early registration encouraged.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

    •  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

Painting orchids at Selby Gardens

Botanical Watercolor Workshop: From Pencil Sketch to Finished Painting

THIS IS A THREE-PART SERIES

Dates:

9/13 (SOLD OUT)

9/20 (AVAILABLE)

9/27 (AVAILABLE)

  • Join us for a hands-on workshop designed for anyone eager to explore the art of botanical illustration and painting! Perfect for beginners or experienced artists new to botanical watercolor painting. No prior experience or materials needed—just bring your enthusiasm!  This class focuses on foundational techniques to bring the beauty of flowers to life in a fun and approachable way.  

    • Learn essential watercolor techniques, including washes, blending, and layering. 

    • Understand tonal values to capture light and shadow and explore the delicate textures and vibrant colors of plants and flowers. 

    • Tips on drawing will be provided, but this is not a drawing-focused class—tracings will be available to help participants jump right in! 

    Both Tuesday and Saturday of each month will cover the same subject and techniques. Choose the day that best fits your schedule!   

    • General admission is included in the course fee. We encourage you to come early and enjoy the Gardens before class.  

    • All materials and supplies for this workshop are included in the tuition. If you have your own preferred materials, you are welcome to bring them. 

    • You may spend time both indoors and outdoors. Please check the weather and wear or bring any items you will need to be comfortable in an outdoor setting. 

$45-55

Painting orchids at Selby Gardens

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

Spaces are limited. Early registration encouraged.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

    •  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

$425