I love to learn, even though I’m *cough (non-COVID19 kind) not as young as I used to be, I’m still keen to expand my knowledge and skill level. It started at school with High School exams, went on to University, where I got a bachelor’s degree and then on to get a PhD. I then began work in the pharmaceutical industry for a period before deciding to stay home with my children. However, I needed something for myself, and that is where crafting and creative pursuits took over. I had a voracious desire to know how to do things and 15 years down the line very little has changed. I have read many books and taken many courses both online and in-person, and I thought today I’d share a couple of resources with you.
I’m going to fangirl a bit here! I love Sarah Simon’s work, her love of botanicals both in real life and in paint, her genuine love of teaching and her authentic voice. So if you are staying home to save lives and have time on your hands then can I recommend a couple of options for you to enjoy Sara’s teaching. I’ve linked all supplies with compensated affiliate links used where possible at no cost to you.
MODERN WATERCOLOR BOTANICALS
I was delighted to see Sarah Simon (on Instagram @themintgardener) released a couple of books recently. I got the Modern Watercolor Botanicals (USA and UK) book for Christmas and have been very impressed with Saran’s teaching style and attention to detail. If you have some pennies to spend or a book voucher I’d highly recommend this book. Sarah also has a colouring page style book, The Plant Lady, which I don’t have yet but looks beautiful too.
SARAH SIMON ON SKILLSHARE
Lastly, I notice that Sarah now has a class on Skillshare. So if that is the online learning platform that you enjoy most you can check out Sarah’s course:
Where Sarah talks about her essential materials, ‘magic sauce’ and goes on to create watercolour cards.
It’s always a good time to learn something new. If you have enjoyed this look at a couple of resources I’ve found and would like to see more posts like this, then please let me know below. I love to share, not only what I enjoy making, but also the tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way.
It was so fun to hear more about your background. I am a pharmacist, so I was excited to hear about your pharmaceutical experience. Thanks for sharing (about the art stuff, too)!
This was super kind of you to put this all together for us. With all this info we can take the time (and your experience) and decide what best suits our needs. Thank you so much and stay safe.
I loved reading your blog post. WOW a PHD! And thanks so much for sharing about the different work shops at such a great discount. Unfortunately with COVID-19 I am busier at work than normal and don’t have the time. But thanks so much for sharing about this great opportunity. I think you should design your own watercolour stamp sets!
I’m a lifelong learner too! Thanks for sharing this great deal – it hits a lot of learning opportunities I’ve been looking for.
Oh thank you for all this information – very interestingly presented. I will follow up for sure.
Now, you teased me with your first picture of the beautiful purple flower but then there is no information about it. Please, please can you do a post about it? And maybe a video – pretty please?
Keep doing what you’re doing – bringing us the best is watercoloring, thank you.
On your recommendation, I purchased Sarah’s book in March, and agree it is wonderful. I follow her on Instagram, and saw a reference to this bundle there, but really appreciate the time you took to get it organized for us. I have a birthday coming up, and this just might be the perfect gift. (Arranging for it to “arrive” a bit early is probably not a problem.) I would definitely appreciate more posts like this!
First I have to say what a big fan I am of yours. Your art is beautiful and I love your instruction. My husband gave me the Watercolor Botanical book for Valentine’s Day (because I mentioned I would like it after reading your earlier post) That book has been great. Her description of the magic sauce has helped with my watercoloring. Thinking about the “bundle” you mentioned. Would it complement the book well?
Sarah’s part of the bundle complements the book really well. It consists of a 13-page pdf and 8 videos which take you along drawing a piece similar to lesson 9 in the book on page 121. It starts with a lot of the foundation techniques mentioned in the book, wet in wet etc and moves on to painting the final piece. I found it helpful to see the videos talking about everything from how to hold your brush, the movements in your water bottle, making the magic sauce etc Hope that helps.
what is this magic sauce? I need all the help I can get!