Botanical Art Instruction at Northern California Institutions
Point Reyes National Seashore Field SeminarsPoint Reyes National Seashore typically offers several one or two day workshops in botanical art each season as well as other classes which may be of interest. It is a fabulous setting, worth attending just for the sake of visiting Point Reyes!
San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing ArboretumThe
San Francisco Botanical Garden frequently offers classes in botanical illustration. Classes are held in the San Francisco County Fair building, on the edge of the garden at Ninth Avenue and Lincoln Way.
Science Illustration, California State University, Monterey BayAlthough not exactly botanical art, this program includes a botanical component. It is one of the most prestigious programs of its kind in the nation and graduates are sought after by renowned institutions and publications around the world.
For program information, visit
scienceillustration.org.
UC Botanical Garden at BerkeleyEach season UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley offers several workshops in botanical art.
For class details visit
the garden website. And check their calendar for upcoming classes.
Botanical Art for All: Exploring Magnolias & Camellias with Sally Petru
SF Botanical Garden, February 14, 2026 @ 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Take a closer look at these early spring beauties abundant in the San Francisco Botanical Garden. You’ll spend time observing these plants in their environment, making note of their characteristics, and sketching the details that intrigue you. Back in the classroom, the instructor will talk about how to approach your chosen subject, provide a drawing demo, and work with each person individually to put your ideas on paper. For those interested in watercolor, you will be given an overview that includes mixing and layering color to achieve a finished painting. You are invited to use only graphite or, if you prefer, colored pencils.
A materials list will be provided. Bring your own lunch.
Click
here to register.
BOTANICAL ART RETREAT WITH CATHERINE WATTERS
June 23-29, 2025
Click
here for more information.
BOTANICAL ART RETREAT WITH CATHERINE WATTERS
Illustrating the Plants of Clos Mirabel
June 14 - 21, 2025
PAINTING HOLIDAY AT ATELIER CLOS MIRABEL
Medium: Watercolour
Level: Beginners / Intermediates
Tuition: 30 Hours
Language: English/French
About the course
Join Catherine Watters for a week of drawing and painting the incredibly diverse flora of Clos Mirabel, capturing colour and texture in watercolour. A variety of plants will be in bloom including Roses, Hydrangeas, Iris, Lupin, Lilies and numerous fruits and vegetables in the Jardin Potager. Catherine will teach you how to carefully observe, measure and draw your subject. You will learn how to create a dynamic composition, followed by a demonstration of watercolour mixing techniques, and the proper use of lighting to make your painting come to life.
About The TutorCatherine Watters is a botanical artist and instructor with over 25 years of teaching experience throughout the U.S and France. She co-developed the Botanical Art Certificate Program at Filoli, in Woodside, CA. Her paintings are held in several collections and florilegia around the world.
Rates:Full Board Accommodation: From 1595€ to 2895€ p/p, per week, based on room choice and single or shared occupancy.
Tutor's Fee: US$ 525 or 485€
Non-participating guests are welcome.
Interested artists can contact
Clos Mirabel or contact
Catherine Watters at
catherinewatters@sbcglobal.net for any questions about the class.
Please email or call to book:
atelierclosmirabel@gmail.com00 33 (0) 6 79 59 04 91
atelier.clos-mirabel.com
Artist-in-Residence Opportunities
National Park Service: Be an Artist-in-Residence
Artists have created art in national parks since the late 19th century when famed Hudson River painters captured the majestic views of our nation’s western parks. Today, the sights and sounds in national parks continue to inspire artists in more than 50 residency programs across the country.
Whether staying in a remote wilderness cabin at Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska, or contemplating history at the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site in Iowa, or working in a contemporary studio overlooking the stone-lined fields at Weir Farm National Historic Site in Connecticut, these programs provide artists with unique opportunities to create works of art in varied natural and cultural settings.
There are programs for visual artists, writers, musicians and other creative media. Programs vary, but residencies are typically 2-4 weeks in length and most include lodging. Often artists are invited to participate in park programs by sharing their art with the public.
Many parks offer programs and each park manages its own process. Click
here to see a directory of parks.
Ragdale, Lake Forest, IL
Not specifically for botanical artists but a wonderful place none the less,
Ragdale is one of the premier interdisciplinary artists communities in the country and hosts up to 200 artists, writers, and composers each year. It is located 30 miles north of Chicago, on the beautiful country estate of Arts and Crafts architect Howard Van Doren Shaw. The gardens open onto 55 acres of pristine preserved prairie – what a treat!