Botanical Art by Laura Watson

  Looking back on 2024, I’ve been reflecting on the incredible experience of completing my very first country diary project. This year-long endeavor to document plants, and and the changing seasons has been one of the most rewarding creative journeys I’ve undertaken. Through watercolor and ink illustrations, I explored the beauty of nature throughout the year, and I’ve learned so much about art, observation, and the rhythms of the natural world. Celebrating the Seasons Each season brought its own unique charm and challenges, shaping my diary in unexpected ways: Spring Blooms: The diary began with the tender greens and delicate blossoms of spring. Observing the first signs of life after winter was a joyful experience. Crocuses, daffodils, bluebells, anemones, and early budding trees became my subjects, and I practised capturing the softness and vibrancy of their colours. Summer Flowers & Foliage: Summer was a time of abundance. The richness of wildflowers, lush greenery, and p...

Watercolour illustration by Nussay Art This month, I’m excited to feature Nassybah Touriño of Nussay Art. As an entomological illustrator, Nassybah creates detailed and accurate depictions of insects, blending scientific precision with artistic skill. Her work showcases the complexity and beauty of these often-overlooked creatures, highlighting their role in the natural world. In this feature, we’ll explore her artistic journey, creative process, and the inspiration behind her work. -Laura Watercolour illustration by Nussay Art My name is Nassybah Touriño and I'm the hands behind Nussay Art. I was born in Granada, Spain. I started studying art but never finished and although I always kept Art as part of my life, it wasn’t until I moved to Madison, Wisconsin that I started creating on a regular basis and sharing my illustrations on Instagram. I realized then, that people liked them and took the chance to quit my regular job to fully follow my dream of becoming a freelance illustrato...

 Holly & Berries by Margaret Graham from the class How to Paint Holly Hello, friends! I'm so excited to share something a little different with you today—a student spotlight! In this post, we’re shining the light on Margaret Graham, a dedicated and motivated member of The Watercolor Garden. Margaret’s commitment to practicing new skills and learning has been such an inspiration to me and the rest of our community. Her journey as a watercolour artist, the projects she’s worked on, and the insights she shares are sure to encourage and motivate anyone on their own creative path. Let’s dive in and get to know Margaret a little better! My name is Margaret Graham. I have lived in Nanaimo for over 40 years. I am happily retired from teaching, owning a retail business and owning and managing rental properties. My activities include cycling, hiking, swimming, foraging for berries and mushrooms, fibre arts and now drawing and painting. How did you first get into watercolour painting, a...