Flower Botanicals in Watercolour and Graphite | Jessie Ford

We are delighted to announce that award-winning Melbourne artist, Jessie Rose Ford is returning to Brisbane! 

Join us for this weekend workshop, or dive deeper and sign up to her one day beginners workshop on the Friday, for the full experience.

Enter into the wonderful world of watercolour botanicals with Jessie as she guides you with her clear, step-by-step process, plenty of demonstrations and encouraging feedback. 

About this workshop

Whether you're new to watercolour or looking to deepen your skills, this workshop offers a supportive, hands‑on introduction to the timeless art of botanical drawing and painting.

What will I learn?

• Observational Drawing and Composition: Learn about the importance of undestanding lighting and how to render a 3D drawing of a flower plus leaves.
• Colour Theory Essentials: Gain a practical understanding of basic colour theory relevant to botanical art. Learn how to mix and match any colour and avoid muddy mixtures.
• Watercolour Techniques: Explore core techniques such as wet‑in‑wet, wet‑on‑dry, dry brush, blending, and lifting out. Jessie will show you how and when to apply each method to achieve transparent layers, soft gradients, or crisp botanical detail.
• Control and Finishing: Discover how to build up depth and form without overworking your paper.

By the end of the day, you'll walk away with your own completed flower painting and a reference sheet of techniques and colour mixes to practice at home. Your newfound understanding of colour and watercolour methods will give you confidence to continue botanical painting beyond the workshop.

Who is this workshop suitable for?

Students with all experiences are welcome, from beginners to advanced.

What do I need to bring?

Jessie will provide a printed photograph for each student to work from.

Students can bring their own materials or rent a kit for $50. The kit will come with all quality art materials you need, all you need to bring is yourself and lunch.

If you'd like to bring your own materials, please bring the following: 

Paper

• Sketching pad or paper (A4 or A3 size is fine) I usually use loose sheets that are used for printing on
• Watercolour paper: 300gsm Smooth/Hot Press paper in A4 size. Suggested brand: Arches
• Tracing paper 50gsm

Brushes    

• Round watercolour brushes in suggested sizes 00, 2, 4 and 6.
• Bring along any other brushes you have

Watercolour Paints  - If you already own similar colours you do not necessarily need to go out and buy the specific colours suggested.

• Permanent Rose, or another 'cool red'
• Scarlet Lake, or another 'warm red'
• Winsor Blue Red Shade, or another 'warm' blue
• Phthalo Blue/Winsor Blue Green Shade, or antoher 'cool' blue
• Winsor Yellow Deep, or another warm yellow eg. New Gamboge or Cadmium Yellow)
• Lemon Yellow (called Winsor Lemon in the Winsor and Newton brand), or another 'cool' yellow

Paint Palette    

• One with several wells to mix several mixtures in, such as the 20 well rectangle palette for about $5.50 from Officeworks. Or bring a few white china plates.

Masking Fluid and Nib

• Make sure the masking fluid is tinted and removable. Windsor & Newton is a reliable brand
• Calligrapher’s nib & pen holder:
          - A Speedball ‘Hunt’ 513EF works well. Or make sure it’s to use for fine lines - usually as 'EF' in the name
          - A pen holder, which is bought separately

Pencils:

• 2H, HB and 2B

Other  

• A soft, kneadable eraser
• Sharpener
• A small cloth/face washer or paper towel for drying your brushes.
• Masking Tape for taping your watercolour paper down.
• Paper towel

Please bring your lunch and snacks or you can purchase from cafes close by. We do have a fridge and microwave at the studio for your convenience.

Ask our friendly team for advice if you are not sure if this workshop is for you.

What is provided?

• Boards and water jars
• Tea, coffee and biscuits (please bring your own mug)
• A friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
• Connection to the Brisbane Painting Classes art community

Useful Information

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