AN ANTIQUE HERBARIUM
A week of line-and-wash florals inspired by authentic, antique herbariums from Provence.
July 27 - 31, 2026
WATERCOLOR WEEK:
Some of the most beautiful botanical paintings begin with just a few simple lines and a careful eye.
Many people admire antique botanical illustrations but assume they require years of artistic training to create. In reality, beautiful botanical painting begins with learning to observe. A few thoughtful lines, transparent watercolor, and a willingness to notice the details are often all that's needed.
Through an approachable line-and-wash technique, you'll learn to combine ink and watercolor to create delicate, heirloom-inspired florals—one painting at a time.
By the end of the week, you'll have a beautiful collection of miniature botanical paintings, greater confidence with watercolor, and a simple process you can return to whenever you want to preserve the beauty of a flower, a garden, or a meaningful season of life.
an antique herbarium
July 27 - 31, 2026
Create timeless botanical studies inspired by the quiet beauty of antique herbarium collections.
Discover how to combine ink and transparent watercolor using an approachable line-and-wash technique to paint delicate, heirloom-inspired florals.
Learn simple, confidence-building techniques for botanical watercolor that are welcoming for beginners and rewarding for experienced artists alike. No prior watercolor experience is required.
Enjoy painting alongside a supportive, faith-rooted community, with gentle instruction that helps you build both skill and confidence—one flower at a time.
By the end of Watercolor Week: The Antique Herbarium, you'll have completed a collection of five miniature botanical paintings, developed a beautiful, new watercolor technique, and discovered a creative practice you can return to whenever you want to preserve the beauty of the season.
YOUR HOST
Meet Gabi
I’m a botanical artist and preservationist whose work centers on the quiet beauty of the natural world. Through watercolor, pressed and preserved botanicals, textiles, and the careful preservation of meaningful flowers—from wedding bouquets to seasonal garden gatherings—I seek to honor the fleeting beauty that so often goes unnoticed. My life and home in Provence has become both the backdrop and the muse for much of my work. Its landscapes, gardens, and centuries-old botanical traditions continue to shape the way I observe, collect, and create.
Botanical watercolor has become a natural extension of that work. Just as pressing and preserving a flower invites us to slow down and study its form, painting it teaches us to notice its character—its delicate structure, graceful movement, and quiet individuality. It isn't about creating a perfect scientific illustration. It's about learning to observe with greater care and preserving a moment of beauty with your own hand.
During Watercolor Week: The Antique Herbarium, I'll guide you through five miniature botanical studies inspired by authentic, antique herbarium collections from my personal collection in Provence. Together, we'll build confidence through an approachable line-and-wash technique that welcomes both beginners and experienced artists alike. My hope is that you'll leave with more than a collection of paintings. I hope you'll discover a way of seeing the natural world that continues to inspire your creativity long after our time together closes.
~Gabi
A FEW BONUSES
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Printable Herbarium Labels
Complete your botanical studies with a collection of printable herbarium labels inspired by antique European specimens. Designed to accompany your watercolor paintings, these elegant labels provide space to record botanical names, dates, locations, and personal notes—adding an authentic, archival touch to every piece you create.
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Curated Ephemera Collection
Bring even more character to your creative practice with a thoughtfully curated collection of vintage-inspired botanical ephemera. Featuring antique papers and handwritten documents this collection is perfect for journaling, framing your artwork, creating sketchbook pages, or simply surrounding yourself with the beauty of old botanical collections.
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The Makers: A CONNECTED COMMUNITY
Step into a warm circle of fellow creatives who understand the joy—and the vulnerability—of making art. Gain access to our private community space where you can share your work, celebrate small victories, and ask questions along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Not at all! This workshop is designed to be gentle and approachable. Whether you’re brand new to watercolor or you’ve been creating for years, you’ll find guidance and inspiration to make something meaningful.
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You'll need a few basic watercolor supplies, including watercolor paper, paints, a fine waterproof pen, and a brush. A complete supply list will be available inside your course dashboard immediately after enrollment.
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Each lesson is designed to be approachable and easy to fit into your day. Most lessons are approximately 20–30 minutes, though you're welcome to paint at your own pace.
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The lessons are prerecorded, allowing you to paint whenever it's convenient for you. We'll also gather for daily, live studio sessions during the week, where you can ask questions and paint alongside me.
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No problem. A replay will be available, so you won't miss any of the instruction. You'll receive lifetime access to all five lessons, so you can return to them whenever you'd like.
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Yes. Throughout the workshop, we'll work from authentic, antique herbarium collections from my personal collection in Provence. These historic botanical studies have become an ongoing source of inspiration in my own artistic practice, and I'm delighted to share them with you throughout the week.
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Have questions about the workshop? Can’t find your confirmation email? Reach out to the team at connect@gabibrownart.com and we’re happy to help.
A GENTLE INVITATION
Discover the timeless beauty of botanical watercolor during this five-day creative experience.
Learn to paint miniature florals inspired by antique herbarium collections from Provence.
July 27 - 31, 2026