The Magic of Flowers & Watercolour
There’s something magical about combining two timeless joys — flowers and watercolour. Together, they invite us to celebrate the seasons, notice the beauty of nature more closely, and slow down long enough to play and explore.
Before we go any further, just to say — this blog is all about our public flowers and watercolour workshops (you can find upcoming dates here).
If you’re here looking for something for your business or brand, I also run creative watercolour workshops for teams, retreats and events, which you can find out more about here.
Why We Started the Workshops
Caroline of Hayloft Floral and I created our flowers and watercolour workshops in summer 2024 after realising how aligned our feelings were about our creative passions, and how much we wanted to share them with others. We had both been running workshops separately, but collaborating to offer a day that celebrates British seasonal flowers felt like the perfect fit.
Somersbury Barn provides the most idyllic setting for these workshops, with its Victorian glasshouse and beautiful gardens. This is topped off by the delicious seasonal lunch prepared by Lucinda, who owns the barn. It’s the kind of place you just don’t want to leave, that feels so far removed from the rush of life that time almost slows down — the ideal environment to get creative.
Why Flowers Are So Inspiring
I’ll be honest: flowers haven’t always been my first subject to paint. I’m naturally drawn to things with story and meaning. But what I’ve discovered through these workshops is that flowers do hold their own stories, especially when you spend time with them.
From learning about the varieties, to arranging them one stem at a time under Caroline’s gentle guidance, you begin to see each flower differently. You notice the details, appreciate the textures, and connect with them on a deeper level. So when it comes time to paint, you’re no longer just looking at a flower, you’re painting something you’ve already invested your attention, energy, and appreciation into.
Caroline has a wonderful way of teaching, she is kind and calm, practical and encouraging. She talks a little about our flower subjects and what we are going to create — from hand tied bouquets, to flower meadows, to floral bowl displays. Then she guides everyone through choosing your own flowers and building your floral creation. There is always a wonderful selection of flowers, but you are free to choose the individual stems, which means everyone's arrangement will look different and be personal to them.
It's always about trusting the process and allowing Caroline to give you pointers with your flowers along the way. Watching them come together is a joy and it is always amazing to see how peoples differ and how personalities come through in the creative process.
No experience is needed and we provide everything you need on the day. You are also welcome to come along if you have experience and the group size is always intimate to allow us to give individual help and advice, meeting everyone where they are at. All of which are things true to watercolour painting too.
Why Watercolour Completes the Experience
After a relaxed, seasonal lunch, we turn our attention to watercolour. This is when you start to look at the flowers, I mean really look. Having spent the morning working with them, you feel quite familiar, but it's always lovely to witness people understanding the flowers on a deeper level. Noticing details, realising the huge variation of colour and tone, even within a flower that looks like it is a single colour. Really appreciating the shapes, forms and textures of nature.
I will talk to you a little about watercolour and how I would approach a piece, but it is not a 'paint-a-long' or a step by step, it is gentle encouragement to allow yourself to try. I guide you to explore in your own way, whether you’re completely new to painting or have years of experience.
We will sketch out the composition before adding ink and watercolour, or whatever feels right for you. I will be on hand to talk about techniques, colour mixing and give some pointers along the way. I also encourage you to try things and trust yourself, I have a strong belief that everyone can draw and paint, some have just had more practice than others. I encourage you to let go of perfection, trust yourself, and enjoy the process.
It’s always a joy to see people surprise themselves with what they create and to witness how everyone’s unique style and personality shines through.
At the end of the day, you will feel calm, relaxed and joyful. We often walk around and see what everyone's created and it's wonderful to notice the differences and personalities coming through. Before you head home with your very own hand crafted painting and floral arrangements.
The Atmosphere
Each workshop is intimate, usually around 10 people, with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Some people come alone, others with friends, but everyone is greeted with warmth and kindness. It’s a space where you can chat or sit quietly, connect with like-minded people, and simply enjoy a beautiful day of creativity and calm.
Every Workshop is Unique
No two workshops are ever the same. The seasons shift, our beautiful natural subject flowers change, and every group brings their own energy. What remains constant is the sense of calm, creativity, and connection. People leave not just with their own floral arrangement and painting, but with a renewed sense of joy and inspiration to continue exploring their creativity. It is a pleasure to witness and be a part of, to create a space that is so transformative and restorative, to inspire people to continue their creative journey.
If you’d like to join us for a future workshop, sign up to my newsletter, The Creative Covey, to be the first to hear about upcoming dates. It would be a joy to welcome you to this day of dreams.
Find Out More about Watercolour Workshops:
Click here to visit my workshops page
Or click here to find out about watercolour workshops for businesses and brands.