A COMPLETE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO WATERCOLOUR FOR BOTANICAL ART
FUNDAMENTALS OF WATERCOLOUR
Step-by-step lessons to help you set up, paint, and enjoy watercolour, even if you’ve never picked up a brush before.
You’ve been thinking about learning to paint, but you’re not sure where to start. 🌸
The world of watercolour looks beautiful… and a little overwhelming.
There are so many brushes, papers, paints, and techniques that it’s hard to know what you need!
Fundamentals of Watercolour gives you a place to begin.
It strips away the confusion and explains:
how to set up your space
choose reliable materials
and get started with watercolour technique.
By the end of the course, you’ll understand how watercolour behaves, how to guide it, and how to paint your first botanical subject.
Here’s What’s Inside:
How to create a painting space that helps you focus and enjoy the process.
An introduction to the materials I use: paints, brushes, palettes, and paper.
My step-by-step method for stretching paper.
Demonstrations of fundamental watercolour techniques: flat and graded washes, wet-on-wet effects, blending, and dry brush.
Brushwork practice to build control and expression.
Simple ways to correct common mistakes, lift colour, and soften edges as you paint.
A final tulip-petal study that brings all the techniques together into a finished piece.
Testimonials
★★★★★
“Everything about this course is perfect, it's a very clear guide for the watercolour beginner, I love the exact supplies guide, it's very helpful and it prevents from buying unnecessary stuff.
It is beautifully designed and it's a great pleasure following all chapters. Now I only need to practice, practice, practice...”
- Agnieszka W
★★★★★
“I’m new to this and so far all the instruction has been incredibly clear and empathetic to a beginner. I feel empowered to continue and like the idea of trusting the process. I’m on a steep learning curve but feel confident with Helen there in the background to support my efforts.”
- Jackie, United Kingdom
★★★★★
“Incredibly helpful, especially for an absolute beginner like me.
Now I even attempt my own little paintings and these fundamentals have been invaluable.
Your explanations are clear and inspiring.”
- Alejandra, United States
Ready to begin your watercolour journey?
I’ll guide you through the fundamental techniques that make watercolour enjoyable from the beginning.
Here are the details:
Access: Start the moment you enrol.
Your lessons unlock instantly and you can begin whenever you’re ready.
Pace: Work at your own speed.
You have 12 months to work through the course. Each lesson is short enough for busy days yet structured to build your skills steadily.
Meet Your Teacher: Helen Cousins
I’m Helen Cousins, a botanical illustrator and doctor based in Kent, England.
I’ve been painting since I was young, and I fell in love with botanical art at 18 because of the way it brings science and art together in perfect balance.
While studying medicine, I also completed the Society of Botanical Artists Distance Learning Diploma, graduating with a distinction and the Award for Excellence in 2016.
Since then, I’ve continued to develop my work as both an artist and teacher. I create original illustrations, prints, and commissions, and I teach botanical art through courses, workshops, and my online Membership.
These course covers the fundamental techniques that underpin my personal method of botanical watercolour.
Your Botanical Art Journey begins here and it’s 100% risk-free.
I completely understand that investing in a course can be scary. That’s why this course comes with a no-hassle 14-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied or you realise it’s just not right for you, simply request a refund within the 14-day return window and I’ll refund you 100%. No questions asked.
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Fundamentals of Watercolour is designed for anyone who wants to get started with botanical watercolour. You’ll find clear, step-by-step lessons to follow.
If you’ve been painting for a while, you’ll refine your technique and fill in gaps that may be holding you back. -
You’ll need basic watercolour supplies: brushes, paints, paper, and a pencil. I provide a full list of recommended materials inside the course, along with guidance on choosing the right options for your budget.
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Yes! The courses start with the very basics, including how to set up your space, stretch paper, and handle your brush. Even if you’ve never used watercolour before, you’ll be supported from the ground up.
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Each exercise is broken into manageable steps.
The final project is designed to be achievable while slightly challenging your skills. You can rewatch the lessons as many times as you like, and take things at your own pace.
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There’s no fixed schedule. Each lesson is designed to fit into a busy life. You can make progress even if you only have 15–20 minutes a day. You set the pace, and there’s no deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
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You’ll have instant access to the Helen Cousins Botanics course platform (The Studio) after purchase.
You can log in on desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile, and the videos will play smoothly on all devices.
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I would never want you to be unhappy. If you are unsatisfied, simply contact me within 14 days of purchase and I’ll give you a full refund.
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You’ll have access to the course for 12 months. Once you enrol, you’ll create an account with my course platform and can return to the lessons whenever you need.
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I’m Helen Cousins, a botanical illustrator and doctor. I’ve been painting botanical subjects since I was 18, and I completed the Society of Botanical Artists Diploma with distinction and the Award for Excellence.
I’ve taught thousands of students through my courses and Membership, helping them develop the confidence to enjoy botanical painting.
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The Botanical Essentials is a self-paced bundle that brings together three foundational courses — Fundamentals of Watercolour (this course), Fundamentals of Botanical Art, and Fundamentals of Colour — plus exclusive bonuses including the Peony Bud Tutorial, Watercolour Warm-Up Exercises, and Journal Prompts for Artists.
It’s ideal if you want to learn the essentials of botanical watercolour in one place, with 12 months’ access to all lessons and materials.
Disclaimer:
Fundamentals of Watercolour is designed for educational purposes to help you develop your botanical watercolour skills. Results will vary depending on your individual effort and engagement with the lessons. No specific outcomes are guaranteed.
All course materials are the intellectual property of Helen Cousins and are provided for personal use only. They may not be shared, reproduced, or distributed without permission.
Helen Cousins and Helen Cousins Botanics are not liable for any loss or damage resulting from the use of these materials.
© Helen Cousins Botanics 2025