laura Silburn botanical art
"Over the past few years, I’ve built up a wealth of experience teaching all around the world, but in 2026 I’ll be staying in the UK, particularly in Cornwall, to focus on the lovely flora of the South-West once again!"
‘A Cornish Spring’
5-day botanical watercolour course
Monday 13th – Friday 17th April 2026
£395 including two-course lunch each day. £50 deposit to book a place. Click here for T&Cs.
Join me for a celebration of spring in Cornwall where the Camellias, Rhododendrons and Magnolias will be in full bloom. We will have material from flowering shrubs around the Lost Gardens of Heligan as well as a selection of other spring flowers that are at their best in April, to study and paint.
The Sawpit Studio is in the grounds of the Wagon House, in a private area of the beautiful Lost Gardens of Heligan, which is near the fishing village of Mevagissey on the South Coast of Cornwall. This private studio is dedicated to botanical art and along with its own library of botanical books it has a light box, microscope and a whole wealth of equipment to borrow.
This 5-day course aims to support you through the step-by-step process of line, tonal, colour matching and then watercolour finished piece and as the teaching will be mostly one to one, is suitable for all levels of experience – I’m just as happy teaching someone just starting out as I am helping experienced painters reach the ‘next level’. From delicate washes to sharp-dry-brush finishing, I will help you polish your technique, whatever your level.
Additionally, each day of the course you will be served a delicious two-course lunch in the house, provided by our caterer (the famous ‘Ding’ lunches!) leaving you free to relax and concentrate on your artwork.
Accommodation is available nearby, including at the Heligan Camping and Caravan Park next to the gardens, many local B&Bs and further options available in Mevagissey and St. Austell which are a short drive away.
Our classes are friendly and informal, and we will also organise an optional meal out one night of the week for us to get-together in the evening.
To book or for further information please contact me.
I hope to see you there!