Course Overview
Learn the art of botanical painting using watercolour techniques in this relaxing and creative short course for adults. Botanical art combines careful observation with artistic expression, helping participants capture the beauty, colour and detail of plants through watercolour illustration.
Suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike, this course introduces essential watercolour techniques including layering, colour mixing, fine brushwork and tonal detail. Participants will learn how to observe botanical subjects closely and translate natural forms into beautifully detailed artworks inspired by flowers, foliage and plant life.
Guided by an experienced tutor, students will practise painting from real botanical specimens while developing confidence in watercolour application, composition and botanical illustration techniques. The course provides a supportive and mindful creative environment where adults can slow down, focus creatively and enjoy the process of artistic learning.
Whether you are looking to develop artistic skills, reconnect with creativity or enjoy a relaxing creative hobby, this course offers an enjoyable introduction to botanical watercolour painting.
Macquarie Community College operates from a range of venues across Northern and Western Sydney. We have campuses in Blacktown, Carlingford, Chatswood, Epping, Mt Druitt, Richmond, and Ryde. Enrol now!
What you will learn
Course outline
Topics include:
- Sketching and pencil shading principles using light and tone
- Pencil detailing techniques for botanical art
- Watercolour application and colour mixing to create light, tone, and detail
- Shading and detailing a botanical subject using watercolour
- Building confidence to independently attempt botanical art subjects
- Main principles of botanical art
Course outcome
By the end of this course, you will have learned how to sketch in pencil with accurate detail and proportion, apply key detailing techniques used in botanical art, and use watercolour to create light, tone, and fine detail. You will feel confident attempting your own botanical art subjects and applying the main principles of botanical art in your work.
What you need to know
Entry requirements
Suitable for all skill levels, from beginners through to advanced participants.
What you need to provide
Materials provided by the tutor
- Botanical specimen to draw
Materials to be provided by students
- A4/A5 sketchbook
- 2H and HB pencil
- Plastic ruler
- Eraser
- Good quality paper towel
- Watercolour pad A4 300 gsm smooth hot pressed
- Mixing palette
- Water container
- Round watercolour brushes no. 1, 4 and 6
- Watercolour paints (artist quality for good result)
- Warm Red-Bright Red or Cadmium red light
- Cool Red-Permanent rose or Magenta
- Warm Blue-French ultramarine or Ultramarine Finest
- Cool Blue-Phthalo blue or Cerulean blue
- Warm yellow-Cadmium yellow mid
- Cool yellow-Lemon yellow
- Paynes Grey
Important information
Estimated cost for art materials is approximately $100–$125, depending on brand and quality.
Suggested stores to purchase materials:
- Art Scene, West Ryde
- Warehouse of Art Supplies, Hornsby
- Parkers, The Rocks