Watercolour Beach Treasures
- 4th Jun 2026: 5pm - 8pm
- 11th Jul 2026: 10am - 1pm
- £35 per person
- £31.50 for Heligan members
Join artist Lauren for a mindful day of watercolour painting at Heligan, where your own washed-up treasures, shells, sea glass and more, become the inspiration for a beautiful coastal artwork to take home.
Perfect for beginners and beyond, this immersive and nurturing workshop will leave you confident, inspired and creatively refreshed.
Course detail
Join artist Lauren for a relaxed and inspiring watercolour workshop, set in the beautiful surroundings of the Heligan gardens, not far from the Cornish coastline. The act of beach combing is a form of mindfulness; this workshop will be a slow paced, relaxed opportunity to sketch, paint and clear your mind.
In this immersive workshop, Lauren will guide you through the fundamentals of watercolour painting, helping you build confidence with materials and techniques. You will be encouraged to bring your own washed-up treasures, shells, sea glass, or other treasures, to serve as the inspiration for your composition. A selection of shells and sea glass will also be available if you are unable to bring your own.
You will learn how to map out your painting, mix colours to create the perfect coastal palette and apply shadows to bring your beach finds to life on paper.
The session will be spent developing and painting your final piece, with plenty of one-to-one guidance throughout. You'll leave with a completed A5 postcard artwork and mount, a lasting memento of your special finds.
This workshop is beginner-friendly and fully guided; no previous experience is required. However, those with watercolour experience are also very welcome to join in. Lauren will be on hand throughout to support and encourage you as you explore the joy of watercolour painting inspired by the sea.
Essential information
· Tea, coffee and biscuits provided
· Bring your favourite shell, sea glass, or beach treasure – we will provide plenty to share if you don’t have your own
· 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.
Register for updates
Sign up for the latest news from The Lost Gardens of Heligan.