Jumpstart your watercolor journey and start creating beautiful paintings today!

The Garden Studio

BOTANICAL WATERCOLOR MEMBERSHIP

Learn to master the supplies, techniques, and mindset necessary to become a talented and confident botanical watercolor artist in The Garden Studio.

The Garden Studio is closed for enrollment. Sign up to be notified when it reopens by clicking the button below!

Any of these sound familiar?

  • I know what I want to paint, but I don’t know how to do it.

  • My paintings never seem to leave the ugly stage.

  • I’m confused about colors and color mixing so I just keep buying more and more paints.

  • I’ve done lots of tutorials and can follow along, but I don’t know how to develop my own style or compositions.

  • I have dreamed of watercolors for years but now that I have the time to invest, I’m not sure where to start.

  • I know I struggle with perfectionism, but how do I stop being hard on myself?

  • I struggle to make time to paint. When I finally sit down, I’m not sure what I should work on!

  • I’m ready to invest in myself and my dreams.

  • I feel a strong pull inside of myself to paint and create.

If so, you are not alone!

These are common frustrations for aspiring artists! The Garden Studio addresses each and every one of the points above. Get unstuck and come join us!

Transformation is right around the corner…

Say goodbye to confusion, stacks of unfinished paintings, and messy brushstrokes.

Swipe the photos below to check out the transformation of real life Garden Studio members!

“When I first joined the garden studio I had trouble with floral art of any kind, it just didn't look like what I wanted, but after joining the garden studio I am realizing floral and botanical art is my thing!”

Tonisha C.

“When I first joined The Garden Studio I was completely overwhelmed and discouraged about my lack of abilities, but now I am confident I can learn and that the tools Alex has created are effective.”

Rachel A.

Imagine being able to…

  • Paint with a recognizable style and voice.

  • Create in both a loose, expressionist style as well as a more realistic, tight style.

  • Get off the YouTube treadmill and have a clear, consistent path forward.

  • Draw and paint any flower. (Yes, really!)

  • Use only a few different paints to mix any color you need.

  • Understand the intricacies of your materials and supplies so that you can use them more effectively.

  • Create thoughtful, hand-made gifts for friends and family.

  • Access a library of over 200 hours of botanical drawing and watercolor classes.

  • Finish your paintings…and be happy with them.

Your first few weeks in The Garden Studio are carefully designed to get you familiar with the website and common terminology as well as integrate you into the amazing community of fellow artists! You’ll also establish where you are on the Botanical Artist’s Roadmap.

Once you know which stage you’re in, you can jump into the lessons and projects that are suitable for your skill level while still challenging you to improve with each painting!

What’s inside?

Stages of the Botanical Artist

You would love to pick up your paintbrush and create beautiful floral paintings, but you're not sure where to start. You have some supplies, but you're not sure which ones you need or how to make them work for you. You are a bit overwhelmed at all there is to learn, but you're excited to get started and jump into painting.

You understand the fundamentals of watercolor techniques but you're not yet confident in drawing or creating your own compositions. You make progress quickly but occasionally get frustrated at the gap between what you can create and what you want to create. You're enjoying the process of discovering new ways to create.

You are truly able to implement drawing and watercolor techniques to create your own paintings. You may struggle with stagnation as you only create what you're comfortable with rather than challenging yourself. You are ready to learn loose floral painting techniques and to apply your skills to more advanced projects.

You are becoming a deeply rooted and thriving artist, able to confidently paint any subject matter, but you struggle to find your unique artistic voice and style. You wonder how to grow your love of botanical art into a sustainable and integrated part of your life. You learn and invest in the theory and technical side of your art.

You are an accomplished botanical artist. You may be ready to teach others, to sell your work, or to create your own following of collectors. This is where you dreamt of being. You may feel like you have to "do it all" and so struggle with burn out. Remember to ask for help and that rest is as important as productivity in the creative life.

Each stage is filled with transformation and growth. There are clear action steps and milestones for you to achieve before moving to the next stage as well as a list of projects already in the library that are perfect for you exactly where you are.

Hi! I'm Alex!

I'm a botanical watercolor artist and educator and I love teaching people to draw and paint flowers. I've taught thousands of students to embrace the joy found in the process of creating.

My watercolor journey started with a few old supplies; a couple of YouTube videos; and a desire to keep my hands and my mind busy. 

I didn't know the first thing about what botanical watercolors were; I didn't know what paper to use; I didn't know that there were different kinds of paintbrushes; I didn't know anything at all, really, except that I wanted to put paint on paper and I enjoyed doing it. 

Progress was slow and steady as I learned to observe the world around me and translate it to paper. I absorbed all the information I could about supplies, techniques, and skills and then…people started asking if I could teach them to paint, too!

Now, years later, I am so pleased with where this journey has led me. My life looks completely different than what I imagined for myself. Every day, I wake up and get to teach amazing people how to paint flowers and figure out how to make it accessible and simple and fun!

I know what it's like to feel afraid of the blank page; or uncertain about your supplies; or intimidated by other people's art and talents. I know how that feels because I have been through it myself, and I know exactly how to lead you through the process that will have you painting with joy and skill.

If you are ready to pursue your dream of creating, I am ready to show you everything you need to know.

You were created to create.

Come learn how.

  • Erin B.

    I studied art in high school, horticulture and floriculture in college so this is a perfect blend of the two. The techniques are broken down and so easy to follow to create your own botanical masterpiece! I love how Alex teaches both loose and the super realistic drawing of the flower.

    I fell in love with drawing and painting all over again. And it's a heck of a good time!"

  • Linda B.

    Alex is not only a great botanical painter; she’s an amazing teacher. I received live, interactive instruction with her via Zoom video. A secondary camera Alex installed enabled me to clearly see her hands as she demonstrated various watercolor painting techniques. I saw her brush strokes close-up and from various angles. I watched her swiftly paint yet another gorgeous flower, calmly explaining each step as she went...Alex has such a positive and encouraging spirit. That makes me want to try harder to improve my novice painting abilities. ‘Fear is a big thing to fight against,’ she said, reminding me that the worst-case scenario is that ‘you learn something from your mistakes and have to paint some more flowers!’

  • Jackie W.

    I definitely know that Alex’s lessons have improved my watercolor tremendously! The fact that the lessons are recorded for later review is very helpful. The membership site is very well organized and keeps us well informed as to what we will be working on in the future. Alex is always eager to go over anything again if a member asks. She is very accessible and will offer a critique of your work if you submit it to her. It’s always a pleasure to spend time with this supportive group during weekly zoom classes. You won’t regret joining this wonderful community!

  • Miriam S.

    "I am a 92 year old woman who has been toying with watercolor for years without success. Alex has been more than kind in walking me through my problems with the internet. Her demonstrations have been easy to follow and I have finally mastered the mysteries of blending and glazing. Her bubbly personality is a pleasure to watch.”

  • Christi-June C.

    “If you are considering joining The Garden Studio with Alex, I highly recommend it! Alex is an excellent and enthusiastic teacher who gets to know you personally. She easily identifies your struggles and cheers you on all the way! These classes also go beyond realistic botanical paintings and you will be exposed to several techniques and art styles. You will also become part of the nicest online community of artists of all levels. Everyone is in it together and sometimes you need a fresh pair of eyes to see the beauty in what you created. Get out those brushes and enjoy the journey!”

  • Robin H.

    "What a fantastic class and stellar teacher, Alex! I am SO enjoying this class and am quickly becoming addicted. SO relaxing. Thank you so much. I took watercolor lessons over 20 years ago and have learned more in one week than I did in a year of lessons. Thank you so much for starting out my retirement on such a happy note!!"

  • Kathy C.

    "I am so happy to have found you Alex. Watching a few of the free videos told me instantly you were the teacher I have been looking for! Thank you for listening to your heart and changing your pathway to the Arts. I love your style of teaching and, as a retired teacher myself, my heart told me you were the one for me."

  • Elsie W.

    “I fell in love with watercolor!"

  • Tracy L.

    "Alex - THIS IS A GAME CHANGER FOR ME! I am a newcomer to watercolor painting as of 2 months ago BUT I just wasn't "getting it" …You are the FIRST one in all the tutorials and courses I have tried that showed that basic thing on camera so that I could actually see the process! WOW!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!"

New Lessons Each Week!

There is a new lesson added to the library every Tuesday. Lessons are a mix of loose, expressionist paintings done in live demos; multi-part Master Projects featuring realistic techniques; workbooks; resource lessons; skill-building exercises and more.

Here are a few of the lessons waiting for you in The Garden Studio library!

Purple Hydrangea Stem.jpeg
Magnolia Branch Edited.jpg
Realistic Coral Rose.jpg
Wildflower Bouquet w- Foxglove.jpg
ZSs8T6exSnyp0rVmROKn_IMG_3733.jpeg
vV3ZgobISOqM2ItLuJlM_IMG_3735.jpeg
Realistic Pink Plumeria.jpg
***Screen Shot 2022-10-04 at 5.49.35 PM.png
B8Cmzw5JQwyt1mFN9siw_IMG_3734.jpeg
Green Watercolor Fern.jpg
Realistic Pink Peony Stem.jpg
Mini Meadow Watercolor Frame.jpg
A9MVQITsT4iFpmjSBFIQ_I_almost_forgot_to_post_the_final_painting_Two_weeks_of_intensive_detailed_lessons_in_The_Garden_Studio_membership_all_a.jpeg
yO68FNIqRySmRTFvtrWd_IMG_7623_2.jpeg
VjihhII3QwWBIY1H2Zyp_IMG_3736.jpeg
lliQhRI6S4mybJSuCWyA_TGS_Bouquet_Watercolor_No_Background.png
q2w2aPiyR6SkpWq1QohF_IMG_3742.jpeg
Bright Doodle Watercolor No. 2.jpg

Check out what Alex’s students say!

Member Paintings

MEMBERSHIP FEATURES

  • Just getting started with watercolor? There are lots of beginner lessons and support available. Intimidating art classes are a thing of the past.

  • The Membership already has over 100 lessons ranging from drawing to painting to history to supply reviews. Live class replays, critiques, and more!

  • One of the most popular features of the membership are the step-by-step guides: crystal clear instructions make it easy to draw and paint flowers.

  • Are you a visual learner? Painting demos with multiple camera angles help to show you exactly how to move your brush and paint beautifully.

  • Live classes are a regular feature in the membership. It's one of the best times of community connection. We cover Q&A sessions, critiques, demonstrations, projects, and more!

  • Finding good reference pictures can be really difficult. In The Garden Studio, you'll have access to high-quality, high-definition reference pictures to use while drawing and painting your creations.

  • Lots of people are intimidated by drawing, but in the Garden Studio, intimidation is gone and you'll be surprised at how well you learn to draw. Drawing is foundational to beautiful paintings and I'll teach you everything you need to know.

  • We often work in thematic modules that let us fully understand the subject matter. Some upcoming themes? Hydrangeas; Fruits & Veggies; Desert Blooms; Tropical Plants; and Butterflies.

  • Impostor syndrome. Fear. Perfectionism. Overwhelm. Intimidation. There is a long list of mindset issues that beset artists. In The Garden Studio, you're equipped with the skills to become a confident and contented painter.

  • Once you learn to paint, it's time to make a finished project. That could be a matted painting or a bookmark or a Christmas Ornament. You'll find lots of project ideas and resources within the membership.

  • The Garden Studio Community is incredible. Filled with like-minded watercolor artists who have transformed into artists who enjoy the process and who happily paint gorgeous blooms. They are a constant encouragement!

  • Wondering which watercolor paper to use? How to pick the right blue paint? You'll find lots of product reviews and recommendations within the membership, from me (Alex) and from the community.

  • Loose florals are incredibly fun, but can be hard to grasp. With step-by-step lessons, you'll learn how to pick up your brush and create incredible loose botanical paintings without a second thought.

  • You have access to the entire library of past lessons as well as monthly live sessions, instruction, and upcoming demonstrations. Work at your own pace and enjoy the process with the encouragement of your peers.

  • More guest teachers are going to be joining us in 2022. Learn botany; stamping; new mediums; and new styles with guest instructors coming in to teach and share their approach to botanical art.

  • Are you more of a studious learner who likes homework, assignments, and workbooks? I've got you covered! There are digital downloads, assignments, and occasional (optional) homework just for you!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Nope!

    Phew, isn't that a relief?

    Step-by-step beginner lessons will guide you through everything from supplies, to posture, to technique, to practice exercises. All you need are some supplies and an attitude of being ready to learn!

  • The bare minimum: something to draw with and something to draw on and a set of watercolor supplies (paints, papers, brushes).

    You will get a lot more out of the membership if you are drawing and painting with quality supplies. Good watercolor paper and paints are extremely important. That being said, quality supplies can be added little by little and I'll provide supply lists as well.

  • Live Q&A sessions; demonstrations; product reviews; guest teachers; written and video and audio lessons; a great community, and more! (Scroll up to see more of the features!)

  • There is new content each week and a full library of existing lessons and resources. You can spend thirty minutes or a few hours each week, it's up to you and how much time you have to devote to painting, drawing, and practicing. The content is designed to be learned over time and to help all of us avoid overwhelm so that we can enjoy the process of learning and creating. Plus, you'll be able to return to the content at any time!

  • Yes! All LIVE Q&A sessions and LIVE painting demos and tutorials will be recorded and posted so you can watch or rewatch at any time.

  • Good question! First, give yourself a round of applause for investing in yourself and in your creativity!

    Second, check your inbox because you'll be receiving a Welcome Letter!

    The first few weeks of the membership are carefully curated to give you the tools and knowledge you’ll need to get the most out of The Garden Studio. I’ll be in touch!

  • Each lesson contains curated materials that will help you on your creative path. Depending on the subject-matter, the content is delivered via a LIVE class, a recorded tutorial video, audio or digital downloads and workbooks.

  • No way!

    A lot of the content will be designed specifically for beginners! Ultimately, my goal is to have a ton of content for every skill level and for lots of different styles as we grow and transform from one stage to the next.

  • I am a botanical watercolor artist, so the bulk of the material will focus on watercolor. Occasionally, I hope to have guest instructors who will teach new mediums and skills.

    A lot of the content applies to any medium: composition, perspective, and drawing techniques are universally applicable.

    As you move from beginner to more advanced, lessons will also be available for both realistic flower-painting and loose flower-painting to assist you in finding your own style.