Special promotion:  Book two or more of Anna's classes or bring a friend, and get $30 per person off the cost of each course – Use code ANNA2026 at checkout.

Create a beautiful Arachnid illustration in watercolour with Dr Anna Voytsekhovich, exploring morphology, texture, microscopy and colour techniques.

• Date: 14 – 15 November 2026
• Days/Times: Saturday and Sunday, 9.30am – 4.00pm
• Venue: NatureArt Lab Studio, M16 Art Space, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith
• Field trip: Friday 13th November afternoon 2.00 – 4.30pm

About the workshop: 
On the first day of the workshop (Friday afternoon) we will have a short field trip to the location where Jumping Peacock Spiders were found, to find and sketch them, take photos and sketch them in nature. We also might find some other interesting arachnids, including scorpions.

Then, on Saturday we will study the morphology of selected arachnids (spiders and scorpions) in the studio. We will learn to see, measure, understand various structures of s segmented body, learn textures and exercise in drawing them. 

Using a microscope we will learn a microstructure of the given specimen and produce a few detailed technical drawings. And on a second day we will work on a watercolour illustration.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

1. See and recognise different structures and segments of an arachnid body
2. Measure and draw an object in scale
3. Understand an object’s 3D
4. Recognise and reproduce various textures in graphite and watercolour
5. Draw and paint a scientifically accurate illustration of an arachnid

Level of Experience: This workshop is suitable for beginners to intermediate level students with some drawing and watercolour experience.

Materials and cost: A materials list will be available to participants once bookings are received, prior to the workshop – please check your junk and spam folder.

About the tutor: 
Anna holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Ecology, and a PhD in Botany. She is a professional scientist, scientific illustrator, botanical artist and wildlife illustrator. A member of the Botanical Art Society of Australia, Queensland Wildlife Art Society, International Society of Scratchboard Artists, The Florilegium Society of at the Botanic Gardens Sydney. She exhibits and takes part in the organisation of Australian and international botanical and wildlife exhibitions.

Her artworks and scientific illustrations are Highly Commended and awarded during various competitions and exhibitions (e.g. Margaret Flockton Awards 2021, Flora: The Art and Science of the Plant 2019, Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show 2023, 2026, etc).

Anna currently resides in Sydney and works on a restoration of critically endangered plant communities as a professional Botanist and Bush Regenerator.

NatureArt Lab Awards

2022, Telstra Best of Business Award Winner for Promoting Sustainability, ACT; and National Finalist Award

2024, Telstra Best of Business Award Winner for Building Communities, ACT; and National Finalist Award

2025, Telstra Best of Business Award Finalist for Promoting Sustainability, ACT; and Finalist for Accelerating Women, ACT

2025, Awards Australia Semi-Finalist for Connecting Communities, NSW and ACT; and Semi-Finalist for Small Business Award NSW and ACT. 

 illustration by Anna Voytsekhovich