Canada’s vast and diverse landscapes are home to diverse flora and fauna, from the delicate petals of Trilliums in Ontario’s forests to the Fireweed thriving in the Yukon. This four-week virtual course, led by artist and educator Martha Johnson, explores the beauty of Canada’s wild botanicals and natural environments, guiding students through techniques to capture their organic shapes, rich textures, and natural colour palettes.
Each session will introduce a selection of indigenous Canadian plants, such as the Western Red Lily, Blue Flag Iris, Arctic Poppy, and Mountain Avens, alongside painting techniques that highlight their distinct characteristics. Through layering, glazing, blending, and brushwork, students will learn how to create depth, softness, and detail in their compositions.
Working from reference images, students will study botanical structure, composition, and colour mixing, gaining a deeper appreciation for the diversity of Canada’s plant life. While the primary focus is on flora, select fauna—such as deer, wolves or songbirds—may be incorporated as complementary elements to enhance compositions.
This course is designed for artists of all levels looking to refine their nature inspired painting skills while immersing themselves in the beauty of Canada’s landscapes.
