Botanical Illustration In Watercolour | Heidi Willis

Have a passion for realistic painting and a love for botanicals and always wanted to learn? Would you like to improve on your existing painting skills and creative pursuits? You're in the right place! We're thrilled to announce Heidi is returning to teach a beautiful 2-day painting workshop. 

Whether you’re a new student or a returning artist, this workshop will provide a perfect opportunity to enhance your watercolour skills and immerse yourself in the art of botanical painting. 

Australian born, Heidi Willis is an entirely self-taught Natural History watercolour artist, specialising in botanical illustration and bird painting. Her work intricately illustrates our native and exotic plants, flowers, fruits and seed capsules, whilst her powerful & distinctive portraits of our spectacular bird life offers viewers an insight into the world as she experiences it.

About this workshop

This is a 2-day insight into realistic watercolour and botanical painting which will give you plenty of food for thought, an opportunity to paint with Heidi's guidance and direction, to ask questions and to learn more about this wonderful craft. 

Heidi is all about getting students on the path to independent painting, with confidence to take on the challenges it will present. She focuses strongly on wash, glazing and dry brushing techniques to create refined work and detail. 

Learn, grow and enjoy is the name of the game for this workshop, so put your worries aside and let Heidi help you get on your best track for realistic watercolour painting and the all addictive craft of botanical illustration.

What will I learn?

• Techniques: Master essential watercolour techniques including wash, glazing, and dry brushing to create detailed and refined botanical illustrations.
   
• Subject Matter: The subject/s are yet to be determined, but they will be carefully selected and crafted to maximise your exposure, knowledge and learning about this fantastic medium and genre. 
   
• Creative Confidence: Develop the skills and confidence needed to tackle realistic botanical painting and the watercolour medium independently.

Who is this workshop suitable for?

This workshop is suitable for beginners to advanced or those that are looking for a refresher. 

Bonus Opportunity: For those eager to extend their creative journey, consider the adjoining 3-day Duck Portrait in Watercolour Workshop to your schedule for a full 5 days. It’s going to be an exciting and enriching creative experience and we can’t wait to see you there. 

What do I need to bring?

Students can supply their own paints, brushes, boards and paper or you can purchase in cash from Heidi on the day. Please pre order your kit in advance by emailing us at team@bienarte.com.au. You'll also need $1-$2 for the printed worksheets for the workshop.

Other Items to Bring:

• Pencil - 2B (PROGRESSO graphite stick, if possible)
• Mechanical pencil 0.5mm HB 
• White plastic eraser 
• Scotch 'magic' tape
• Small sketchpad, A4 Cartridge paper is fine, or just whatever you have.
• A Palette (KLIK Palette is recommended, Cavalier Art Supplies supplies stock these) Heidi uses 2 but 1 will be enough for a start.

Watercolours:

We wont know what specific colours we will need until the event, below is Heidi's complete kit and any are likely to be used. You can share Heidi's for the workshop for $55.

Heidi uses Artist quality Winsor & Newton tubes:

Winsor Violet                                    Perylene Maroon                         Permanent Rose 
Permanent Magenta                        Winsor Red                                  Indigo                      
French Ultramarine Blue                  Raw Sienna                                 Burnt Sienna                               
Olive Green                                       Permanent Sap Green                Cobalt Blue                                  
Cerulean Blue (Red shade - the lightest one possible)                      Cobalt Turquoise (Light) 
Green Gold                                       Winsor Lemon                              Windsor Yellow Deep 
Scarlet Lake                                     Neutral Tint

Brushes:

Brush sets available from Heidi on the day. Brushes range from approx $4 - 7.50 each. A standard class set of 4 is around $30, but
you can buy more if you need/wish.

• Taklon nylon brushes (sizes 3/0, 1, 3, 5 with GOOD points and a cover sleeve on them)

Paper and Boards:

Boards are available from Heidi for $10 each (allow for half to 1 board a day) 

Heidi will bring the stock/paper you will work on in the workshop. 

Masking Fluid and Pen:

Bring these if you already have them. Heidi will bring a few ruling pens to share with the group. 

• Masking Fluid (colourless) - Pop it into a Ziploc bag to save yourself any potential disasters!
• Ruling pen or ink nib pen

Bring your lunch and snacks or you can purchase from cafes close by.

What else is provided

• Tea, coffee and biscuits (bring your own cup)
• A friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
• Connection to the Bienarte art community

Useful Information

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