The Watercolor Garden Student Spotlight | Margaret Graham

 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, and what inspired you to pursue botanical art?

I took a beginner watercolour course about 2 years ago with some friends and was HOOKED. My time spent outdoors led me to now focus on botanical art.

What was your level of experience with watercolour and botanical art when you joined the Watercolor Garden? 

Although I have some experience now, I still consider myself a beginner. The Watercolor Garden is a good fit for me because of the step-by-step organization. I have often tried to draw and paint something, only to be completely frustrated because I didn’t have the foundational skills yet. I have joined The Watercolor Garden quite recently but feel very encouraged by the results so far. I feel my colour mixing and tonal variation have improved. The 3-step method is just brilliant!

My current goals include keeping up with my perpetual diary (inspired by Lara Call Gastinger), painting watercolour cards for friends and family and working through the courses in The Watercolor Garden.

Which classes or projects in the Watercolor Garden have been the most helpful or inspiring for you, and why?


So far, I have completed Botanical Color 101 and am almost finished with Watercolor Botanicals for Beginners. Each lesson is so clear, well-organized and approachable. I like my results!

 Loose Salmonberries by Margaret Graham from the class Watercolor Botanicals for Beginners


What’s one lesson, technique, or approach that’s made a big difference in your painting? 

I would have to say that the 3-step painting method has helped me the most. I now know that when I do step 3, the painting will look realistic and 3 dimensional. With the Watercolor Garden courses, I have a clear learning path forward. I now draw and paint almost every day because I am seeing progress and can’t wait to do the next lesson.

What’s been your biggest challenge in learning botanical watercolour, and how did you overcome it?


My biggest challenge has been being in a hurry to produce quality work, getting frustrated and wanting to quit. I overcame this by sticking with simpler projects and just enjoying the process.

 Garry Oak Line and Wash Study by Margaret Graham from the class How to Create a Country Diary

 
Watercolour painting has been a huge gift for me. I notice so much more beauty around me, have learned so much about plants and flowers and truly enjoy the moments I spend painting. There isn’t one painting that stands out, but when I look at my work from a year ago, I am thrilled with my progress. Being part of the Watercolor Garden community is just a wonderful gift. To be part of a tribe that loves botanical art is very special.

Watercolour landscape by Margaret Graham

What would you say to someone thinking about joining the Watercolor Garden?

I would happily tell them how encouraging my progress has been.

Do you have any advice for fellow students or beginners in botanical watercolour?

Just keep going!

- Margaret Graham

Thank you for sharing Margaret! I look forward to seeing more of your work and questions posted in The Watercolor Garden community. 

Interested in FREE botanical painting tips? 

 Download my FREE 5-Step Botanical Painting Guide here.

Happy painting,
Laura 

Laura Watson
Botanical Artist & Instructor
Founder of The Watercolour Garden
www.thewatercolourgarden.com




Location: Nanaimo, BC, Canada

Comments

  1. Margaret Graham6 January 2025 at 16:47

    Thank you for publishing such a flattering blogpost. I am looking forward to painting the monthly native plant lessons.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Laura Watson7 January 2025 at 13:18

      Thank you for the motivation on my new plant series, I am looking forward to it! These are all going to be plants you can find locally in the Harewood Plains!

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

3 Tips for Keeping a Sketchbook with Nicoline Mann

Image
Botanicals & Landscape by Nicoline Mann Hi, I’m Nicoline. I'm an artist deeply inspired by the natural world, especially animals and birds, and the fleeting beauty of small, precious moments. My sketchbook practice is an extension of my love for these connections—it’s where I explore, experiment, and savour the joys of creating without pressure. I don’t confine myself to one sketchbook or one style of book. I have several on the go at any time, each serving a unique purpose. My tools vary depending on what feels right for the page or moment. I use everything from dollar-store sketchbooks prepped with gesso to high-quality watercolour books. There’s no limit to what we can create when we let go of expectations and allow ourselves to explore freely. Sketchbook pages by Nicoline Mann Sketching My World My sketchbooks are a collection of snapshots from my life and the natural world. On my forest walks with my dog, I document the tiny flowers growing along the forest floor or the bi...
Read more

3 Botanical Painting Tips with Anne Butera

Image
 Garden Painting, Anne Butera Welcome to my new Artist Feature series ! In this series of blog posts, I have invited other artists to share some of their best tips with you to help you reach your watercolour goals! There are so many wonderful and talented artists to learn from. Let's get inspired together, I hope you enjoy this article by Anne Butera. Anne Butera is a self-taught artist who works primarily in watercolour but also loves challenging herself to try new things, savouring the freedom and joy she finds within the pages of her sketchbooks. She strives to seek out and celebrate life’s little joys and daily graces in her life, her writing and her art. Anne is passionate about encouraging others to embrace their creativity and discover their joy. Her art and writing have been published in multiple magazines and in the book Botanica. She writes the blog My Giant Strawberry and the Substack In an Artist’s Garden and she teaches in person and online. Anne painting in the stud...
Read more

Exploring Nature Journaling with Alex Boon: Tips, Inspiration, and Creative Approaches

Image
Nature Journal by Alex Boon I’m always on the lookout for artists who bring a fresh perspective to nature journaling, and I’m thrilled to introduce you to Alex Boon. Alex is a nature journaling educator, artist, and content creator from East Devon, UK, whose passion for documenting the natural world is truly inspiring. Alex’s journey into nature journaling started with a treasured copy of The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady and evolved into a lifelong practice that blends art, creativity, and deep observation. Living by the sea in a rural part of the UK, he spends time exploring the natural countryside that surrounds him—filling his journals with sketches, words, and even large-scale maps In this feature, Alex shares his thoughts on keeping multiple journals, how limiting art supplies can actually improve your observation skills, and why a nature journal doesn’t have to be a book at all. Whether you're a seasoned nature journaler or just starting out, Alex’s insights are sure to...
Read more