Botanical watercolor for beginners

$425.00

Painting Orchids

A 3-Day In-Depth Watercolor Workshop

📍 Twin Cities, MN | 🗓️ Sept 5–7 

Join Cris Godoy, a former Minnesota resident and accomplished botanical artist — as she returns to the Twin Cities to teach alongside beloved local artist Pam Luer in a unique 3-day immersion into watercolor painting. This workshop focuses on the elegant complexity of orchids, blending expert instruction, hands-on practice, and fostering personal expression.

DAY 1 – Foundations of Watercolor

📍 Wet Paint Art Store

🕐 5 hours (exact time TBA)

This day is ideal for beginners and those wanting to refresh their skills. You’ll gain confidence and freedom in your approach by understanding the fundamentals:

  • How to lay down even washes

  • Layering techniques in watercolor

  • Wet-on-wet vs. wet-on-dry applications

  • Brush control and expressive brushstrokes

  • Introduction to drawing and composition (non-intimidating and practical!)

  • Multiple approaches so you can discover what suits your style best

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

A 3-Day In-Depth Watercolor Workshop

📍 Twin Cities, MN | 🗓️ Sept 5–7 

Join Cris Godoy, a former Minnesota resident and accomplished botanical artist — as she returns to the Twin Cities to teach alongside beloved local artist Pam Luer in a unique 3-day immersion into watercolor painting. This workshop focuses on the elegant complexity of orchids, blending expert instruction, hands-on practice, and fostering personal expression.

DAY 1 – Foundations of Watercolor

📍 Wet Paint Art Store

🕐 5 hours (exact time TBA)

This day is ideal for beginners and those wanting to refresh their skills. You’ll gain confidence and freedom in your approach by understanding the fundamentals:

  • How to lay down even washes

  • Layering techniques in watercolor

  • Wet-on-wet vs. wet-on-dry applications

  • Brush control and expressive brushstrokes

  • Introduction to drawing and composition (non-intimidating and practical!)

  • Multiple approaches so you can discover what suits your style best

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.

 

Make it stand out

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.

Build it

Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.