Botanical Watercolours with Kay Duncan

Intermediate Workshop

SUNDAY 4 OCTOBER 10AM - 1PM

For participants ready to deepen their skill and refine detail work

What You'll Experience

Designed for artists with some drawing or watercolour- painting experience and ideally (but not necessary) for those who have completed my Introductory Watercolour painting workshop.
Instruction on developing composition skills and setting up a still life.
Introduction to intermediate watercolour painting techniques – developing practical skills and making samples.
Colour theory – focusing on complimentary colours and shadows.
Intermediate guidance with painting techniques with a focus on wet into wet and layering.
Hands on development of one or more botanical paintings.

Materials Provided

• A3 pre‑stretched watercolour paper (1 sheet)

• Sketch paper

• Fresh flowers and simple still life subjects

• Tracing paper and reference images

• Rags, cotton tips, water containers

• A small welcome gift

About Kay

Kay Duncan is an interdisciplinary artist and musician based in Christchurch, New Zealand. Originally from Portsmouth, England, she emigrated to New Zealand in 1984, where the landscape and light inspired her to focus on watercolour painting. Kay has exhibited her work locally, taught art, and co-owned a gallery.

Her artistic practice is deeply connected to nature and the New Zealand landscape. As a musician, her style blends soul, folk, blues, and jazz, with a focus on authentic, experience-driven themes. Kay continues to paint, teach, and perform, often collaborating with her husband, composer Guy Hobson.

What To Bring

List of essential requirements for participants to bring- Please note, materials can be sourced from either Gordon Harris or The Drawing Room

Watercolour Paints: A minimum of - x 3 warm and x 3 cool primaries, x1 warm green (Hookers/Grass) and x1 cool green (Viridian) and x1 Payne’s Gray Watercolour Paints. Bring extra colours if you have them.
A selection of Soft Round Head Watercolour Brushes: Synthetic brushes are fine but please choose good-quality from an art supply shop. Sizes: small, medium, large approx. sizes 5,10, 18
A small detail brush.
A medium sized flat end soft brush. Other soft brushes are optional
Watercolour sketch pad: A4 or A3. Ideally 300gms (200gms also sufficient). Acid Free not Reeves brand please
Pencils: B and 2B. Others if you have or require them
Pencil sharpener and erasers - not plastic type please

Download the materials list here

Costs & Payment

$125 Members & Friends of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens
$145 Non-Members
$190 Bundled with a CHS Membership

Includes all materials, tea, coffee and biscuits.

Contact the host of Botanical Watercolours