Language
Portuguese, English
Duration
2h30 /1 day
Difficulty
Beginner
Next Date
05/04/2026

Botanical sketching workshop in Lisbon for anyone who wants to slow down, step away from the city and spend a morning drawing in one of Lisbon’s most quietly beautiful spaces. The Jardim Botânico de Lisboa, founded in the late 19th century as a scientific garden for the study and preservation of plant species from around the world, is still a hidden oasis in the heart of the city today, full of exotic and native plants, shaded pathways and layered green landscapes that provide endless material for observation and drawing. Instead of architecture and street movement, you focus on leaves, flowers, textures and the subtle rhythms of nature.

We work through the session at a calm and immersive pace, moving through one or two quiet areas of the garden to allow for deeper focus rather than constant movement. I begin with an introduction to botanical sketching techniques and a short observation exercise to help you connect with the environment before demonstrating sketching and watercolour approaches in a loose and expressive way. From there you move into individual sketching time with guidance, demonstrations and personal feedback woven throughout. The emphasis is always on slowing down and looking carefully rather than producing a technically perfect result.

What you’ll learn

🌿 How to observe and draw natural forms including leaves, flowers and organic textures

🌿 Botanical sketching techniques for capturing plants in a loose and expressive way

🌿 How to simplify complex natural forms and build compositions from observation

🌿 Colour mixing for natural and botanical palettes using watercolour

🌿 How to work outdoors with confidence in a natural environment

What’s included

🎨 All basic materials including professional paper, pens, watercolours and colour pencils

🎨 Full guidance from Anna Matos throughout the session

🎨 Introduction to botanical sketching, demonstrations and individual feedback

🎨 Your finished botanical sketches to take home

What you leave with

A set of botanical sketches made in one of Lisbon’s most peaceful gardens, and a way of looking at plants and natural forms that stays with you long after the session ends.

I am Anna Matos, a multidisciplinary artist who believes creativity belongs to everyone. I have spent the past few years designing workshops that combine art, wellbeing and experimentation in spaces that feel genuinely accessible, whether you have never picked up a pencil or you already enjoy making art. My goal is always the same: that you leave having enjoyed the process and made something that feels like yours.

Participants are welcome to bring their own sketchbook or drawing materials if they prefer working with personal tools. No prior experience with drawing or watercolour needed.