Learn to draw glorious roses confidently with Auckland based botanical artist Jennifer Duval-Smith
Finding sculpture in the summer garden - a botanical art experience
Come along and learn how to observe and capture the sculptural shapes of plants in the late summer gardens with botanical artist Jennifer Duval-Smith.
Weather permitting, we will spend time immersed in the culinary garden observing the captivating structure and detail of edible plants such as artichokes and sunflowers planted for their colour, beauty and strength by our dedicated collection curator.
All materials provided and no experience is necessary to enjoy the workshop.
This workshop will be held in the Logan Campbell and is suitable for adults.
Spaces are limited and fill quickly, so book your place now.
Click here to Book now at Eventbrite
Draw a Native Leaf with Confidence: Sun 1 Nov, 10am-1pm
Botanical Art Workshops with Jennifer Duval-Smith
Join botanical artist Jennifer Duval-Smith for a relaxing, inspiring workshop series suited to all skill levels.
Learn to create a simple concertina sketchbook and use it to capture observations from nature. Jennifer will guide you through techniques to see and draw finer details, transforming how you experience the outdoors.
Weather permitting, sessions include time outside drawing from life. No experience is
needed, and all materials are provided. You’ll gain practical strategies for sketching plants with confidence while creating your own nature journal page and learning to let go of perfection and enjoy the creative process.
Draw Rambling Roses: Sat 31 Oct, 10am-1pm
Join botanical artist Jennifer Duval-Smith for a relaxing, inspiring workshop series suited to all skill levels.
Learn to create a simple concertina sketchbook and use it to capture observations from nature. Jennifer will guide you through techniques to see and draw finer details, transforming how you experience the outdoors.
Weather permitting, sessions include time outside drawing from life. No experience is
needed, and all materials are provided. You’ll gain practical strategies for sketching plants with confidence while creating your own nature journal page and learning to let go of perfection and enjoy the creative process.
Draw Flowers of the Spring Border: Fri 30 Oct, 10am-1pm at Beautiful Riverlea Garden, Bell Block
Join botanical artist Jennifer Duval-Smith for a relaxing, inspiring workshop series suited to all skill levels.
Learn to create a simple concertina sketchbook and use it to capture observations from nature. Jennifer will guide you through techniques to see and draw finer details, transforming how you experience the outdoors.
Weather permitting, sessions include time outside drawing from life. No experience is
needed, and all materials are provided. You’ll gain practical strategies for sketching plants with confidence while creating your own nature journal page and learning to let go of perfection and enjoy the creative process.
Explore and learn the techniques of botanical watercolour painting with Jennifer Duval-Smith at Highwic!
Highwic Spring Workshop Series | Botanical Watercolour Painting with Jennifer Duval-Smith
Step back in time and spend a relaxing day exploring botanical watercolour painting at the beautiful heritage setting of Highwic, where art and gardens come together. Through easy nature journaling techniques, you'll learn to observe more closely, draw with confidence and discover the basics of colour mixing and watercolour. Weather permitting, we'll work in the traditional cottage gardens, drawing inspiration from seasonal plants in much the same way botanical artists have done for centuries. Materials are supplied and no experience is necessary, just bring your curiosity and enjoy the day.
Jennifer Duval-Smith is a botanical artist and very experienced teacher based in Tāmaki Makaurau. Previously ‘Friends Visiting Artist’ at Auckland Botanic Gardens, and currently working in residence at the Auckland Wintergardens.
For more information, contact highwic@heritage.org.nz
About the Highwic Spring Workshop Series
Celebrate the arrival of warmer weather with the Highwic Spring Workshop Series.
Immerse yourself in a range of one-day workshops, including botanical watercolour painting with Jennifer Duval-Smith; how to grow a fabulous flower garden with Martin Keay; and a personalised perfume-making class with Sok Studios.
These one-day Saturday workshops are held from September to November.
If you fancy trying botanical watercolours before you dive in to buying all the materials or committing to a longer course, this is the perfect opportunity!
This is your chance to try botanical watercolour painting made easy! Painting in watercolour isn’t scary at all - it’s full of fun and possibility. Take time to slow down, reconnect with nature, and rekindle your creative spark in a calm, supportive setting. Learn simple, enjoyable techniques to observe the changing seasons, sketch with accuracy, and mix vibrant colours with confidence. Explore accessible ways to paint beautiful botanical subjects, with plenty of encouragement and creative discoveries along the way.
(including all materials) Suitable for all skill levels.
Time and location
SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER
10AM – 1PM
LEARNING CENTRE
Price
$100
Learn to draw elegant orchids confidently with Auckland based botanical artist Jennifer Duval-Smith
Learn to draw lush tulips confidently with Auckland based botanical artist Jennifer Duval-Smith
After our delicious and successful sold-out Workshop in February Nourish publisher Vicki Ravlich-Horan has asked me back to host another hands-on botanic art workshop. I love working with Vicky - not only is she a publishing powerhouse but she makes us THE most delectable lunch!
$195pp – includes morning tea and lunch, expert guidance, all art supplies
Sunday 16th August 10-2pm
Nourish HQ in Hamilton
NOTE – Nourish HQ is located up a steep staircase and is not suitable for those with mobility limitations
Learn to draw winter veges confidently with Auckland based botanical artist Jennifer Duval-Smith
Explore botanical watercolours. Reconnect with nature and your own creativity in this inspiring course with artist Jennifer Duval-Smith.
In this supportive atmosphere, you’ll explore easy and practical botanical art techniques for closer observation, accurate drawing, colour mixing, and confident watercolour painting, all enlivened by your own curiosity and seasonal changes in the natural world all around us.
Come create with us in our beautiful education centre studio. The green and peaceful views across the treetops make for a relaxed and immersive setting for learning and finding your own artistic voice.
Jennifer is a botanical painter and nature journaling practitioner, based Tāmaki Makaurau.
Suitable for all skill levels, materials not provided - a detailed list is available on enquiry
Term 3
FRIDAYS
7 Aug - 18 SEP
10AM - 12PM
(not including materials)
Suitable for all skill levels.
If you fancy trying botanical watercolours before you dive in to buying all the materials or committing to a longer course, this is the perfect opportunity!
This is your chance to try botanical watercolour painting made easy! Painting in watercolour isn’t scary at all - it’s full of fun and possibility. Take time to slow down, reconnect with nature, and rekindle your creative spark in a calm, supportive setting. Learn simple, enjoyable techniques to observe the changing seasons, sketch with accuracy, and mix vibrant colours with confidence. Explore accessible ways to paint beautiful botanical subjects, with plenty of encouragement and creative discoveries along the way.
(including all materials) Suitable for all skill levels.
Time and location
SUNDAY 28 JUNE 2026
10AM – 1PM
LEARNING CENTRE
Price
$100
Book here to learn to draw bright citrus confidently with Auckland based botanical artist Jennifer Duval-Smith
Learn to draw pansies and violas confidently with Auckland based botanical artist Jennifer Duval-Smith
If you fancy trying botanical watercolours before you dive in to buying all the materials or committing to a longer course, this is the perfect opportunity!
This is your chance to try botanical watercolour painting made easy! Painting in watercolour isn’t scary at all - it’s full of fun and possibility. Take time to slow down, reconnect with nature, and rekindle your creative spark in a calm, supportive setting. Learn simple, enjoyable techniques to observe the changing seasons, sketch with accuracy, and mix vibrant colours with confidence. Explore accessible ways to paint beautiful botanical subjects, with plenty of encouragement and creative discoveries along the way.
(including all materials) Suitable for all skill levels.
Time and location
SUNDAY 19 APR
10AM – 1PM
LEARNING CENTRE
Price
$100
Learn to draw native leaves confidently with Auckland based botanical artist Jennifer Duval-Smith
Sunday 1st March
Join us for a deliciously arty celebration. Tap into your creative side at a relaxing on-site nature journaling workshop with botanical artist Jennifer Duval-Smith and follow up with a delicious lunch curated especially for you by Vicki Ravlich-Horan
Jennifer will guide you through a fun and easy nature journaling practice which is suitable for all levels of experience. Come along and learn how to:
Make your own simple concertina sketchbook to record the bounty of the summer season
Trick your mind into seeing more natural detail
Use an accessible strategy to help you draw anything
Enjoy a delicious morning tea and local in season lunch prepared by Vicki from Nourish Magazine
Your workshop fee of $190 includes:
Three hour nature journaling workshop using seasonal produce
All art materials
Morning tea and coffee
A delicious lunch
Come along and learn to draw and paint in the historic garden at Highwic House
Book for this six week botanical art course at beautiful Te Uru Contemporary art Gallery in Titirangi. Reconnect with nature and your creativity in this inspiring course with artist Jennifer Duval-Smith.
The course takes place between 10am and 12pm on Friday mornings from 13 February and ends on 27 March.
In this supportive atmosphere, you’ll explore easy and practical techniques for closer observation, confident drawing, colour mixing, and expressive watercolour painting, all inspired by the beauty of the botanical world. This course is suitable for complete beginners andhas extension options for those who wish to develop their skills to the next level.
The Te Uru education spaces offers a n exceptionally beautiful, nature-filled environment with peaceful views just outside the window, a relaxed and inspiring setting for learning and creativity.
This class tends to books out each term so please be sure to book now to secure your spot!
Term 1
FRIDAYS
13 FEB - 27 MAR 2026
10AM - 12PM
(Please note NO CLASS ON 20 MAR)
SIX CLASSES TOTAL
(not including materials) Suitable for all skill levels.
