In this relaxed and expressive pen and wash/watercolor class, you’ll learn how to turn a simple pencil sketch into a lively floral illustration using scratchy ink lines and fresh, flowing watercolor. We’ll work in three natural stages:

First, a loose pencil outline to establish shape and movement in the flowers.
Then, expressive waterproof ink applied with confident, slightly imperfect strokes.
Finally, vibrant, transparent watercolor washes that bring the flowers to life.

This class focuses on energy over perfection — allowing your lines to breathe and your paint to move naturally across the page.

You’ll learn how to:

Sketch florals loosely without overworking them
Use scratchy ink lines to create texture and character
Add depth with minimal hatching and line variation
Layer watercolor confidently over waterproof ink
Keep your washes fresh, luminous, and slightly unpredictable

This class is perfect for:

Beginners wanting to loosen up
Sketchbook artists exploring pen and wash
Watercolor painters who tend to overwork details
Anyone who loves expressive botanical illustration

By the end of the class, you’ll have a vibrant floral painting that feels spontaneous, joyful, and full of movement — plus a repeatable process you can use for endless flower variations.

If you love the look of lively ink lines paired with bright, blooming color, this class will help you create it with confidence.

What will we explore? This course is packed with:

* Start-to-finish demonstrations so you can see first-hand how to build up the painting every step of the way. I verbally explain the entire process in a friendly and easy-to-understand manner.

* I’m a big believer in ‘learning by 'doing' rather than by lecture, so you will paint right alongside me, up close and personal and learn the skills in a practical way.

This class is part of a Pen & Wash/Watercolor Series exploring expressive pen and ink illustration combined with loose watercolor techniques. Each lesson focuses on a different subject — from florals and figures to wildlife — while following a simple and enjoyable creative process. As the series progresses, you'll experiment with different tools, textures, and subjects while developing confidence in expressive drawing and painting. You can take the classes in any order, or just pick out the ones that appeal the most.

Gloria Boardman

--

15