• Date:  17 – 18 October 2026 
• Dat/Times: 9.30am – 4.00pm
  
• Location: NatureArt Lab Studio 
• Field trip to Black Mountain, ACT: 16 October, 2.00 – 4.00pm

We are planning to visit ACT’s famous Black Mountain to find, take photos and sketch some seasonal orchids in their natural habitat. We will have two whole two days to paint them in a studio. The tutor will give an example of different colour patterns and texture of Australian native orchids and explain how to paint them in watercolour. Students will learn how to produce an initial drawing of an object, how to scale it, what to include in composition, and then learn how to transfer it on paper and produce a beautiful scientifically accurate botanical painting in watercolour.

During the masterclass learn about Australian native orchids, their anatomy, ecology and morphology. Anna will give examples of different painting techniques and explain how, where and when to find orchids, how to do quick sketches from nature, how to paint different textures of flowers and leaves. Students will learn how to produce a scientifically accurate sketch and a beautiful botanical watercolour of selected terrestrial orchids.

Field trip to Black Mountain, ACT:  Date 16 October 2026
The main purpose of the field trip is to learn about the diversity, ecology and importance of conservation of Australian native orchids. Anna will demonstrate and explain the interactions and interdependence between certain species in nature on the example of insects-orchids-fungi-trees & shrubs.

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

Materials List:  A materials list will be provided upon booking the course. Please keep an eye out for our email – check your JUNK and SPAM folders as we are finding a lot of our emails going here.

About your Tutor
Dr Anna Voytsekhovich 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 and Florilegium Society of Australasia. She exhibits and taking part in organisation of Australian and international botanical exhibitions. Her artworks and scientific illustrations are well known and very often Highly Commended during various events end exhibitions (for example, Margaret Flockton Awards 2021, Flora: The Art and Science of the Plant 2019). Anna currently resides in Sydney and works on restoration of critically endangered plant communities as a professional Botanist and Bush Regenerator.

Student artworks created during NatureArt Lab workshops. All works are shared with permission of the artists; Orchid illustration by Dr Anna Votsekovich.

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. 

Image credit: Dr Anna Votsekovich