Autumn Watercolours for Beginners
- 12th Sept 2026
- 10am - 3pm
- £75 per person
- £67.50 for Heligan members
Join Lauren Waycott, Heligan’s own illustrator and graphic designer for a small-group introduction to watercolour, set in the peaceful beauty of Heligan’s autumnal gardens. With plenty of personal guidance, you’ll learn the essentials of watercolour, find natural inspiration from the gardens and enjoy behind-the-scenes access.
Perfect for beginners and those who have joined Lauren’s previous workshops, this immersive and nurturing workshop will leave you confident, inspired and creatively refreshed.
Course Detail
Join artist Lauren for a relaxed and inspiring full-day introduction to watercolour, set within the beautiful surroundings of the Heligan gardens. You experience will begin with a walk through the gardens to The Seedpod, our new nature-connected learning space.
In this immersive workshop, Lauren will introduce you to the fundamentals of watercolour painting, helping you build confidence with materials and techniques. You will have an opportunity to collect materials to inspire your own composition.
You’ll step behind the scenes to view a selection of paintings from the Heligan Archives, showcasing artworks inspired by the gardens across the years.
The afternoon will be spent developing and painting your final piece, with plenty of one-to-one guidance from Lauren. You’ll leave with your completed artwork, along with practical tips and techniques to continue your watercolour journey at home.
This workshop is a beginner-friendly, fully guided introduction—no previous experience is required. Lauren will be on hand throughout the day to support and encourage you as you explore the joy of watercolour painting with nature.
Essential information
- Tea, coffee and cake provided.
- Lunch can be pre-ordered from our Steward’s House Café or bring a packed lunch
- Materials will be provided but feel free to bring your own brushes/ paints if you prefer
- Wear comfortable, weather appropriate, clothing to perhaps be a little messy in.
- Bring a notebook or journal to take notes, we have paper if needed.
About Lauren
Lauren grew up in the Wye Valley in South Wales, where her interest in the natural world began. She completed a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design at Hereford College of Arts, followed by a BA (Hons) in Illustration from Falmouth University.
For the past three years, she has worked within the design team at Heligan, creating illustrations inspired by the gardens, the animals and the people who care for them. She primarily works in watercolour and acrylics and her work has been shown in several climate crisis exhibitions at the Courtyard Arts and Canwood Gallery – an issue she feels strongly about.
Since graduating in 2022, Lauren has continued to develop her illustration skills while gaining a broad knowledge of Heligan’s plants, stories and hidden corners. She brings this experience to the workshop, guiding participants to create their own watercolour painting inspired by the gardens.
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