Introducing
WATERCOLOR FLORAL SANCTUARY
The most comprehensive watercolor floral art program.
Remove the guesswork from creating breathtaking flowers and floral compositions and confidently express your unique artistic voice.
JOIN THE WAITLIST HERE →Watercolor Floral Sanctuary is an online, 8-week course centered around painting diverse flowers and floral compositions from both real-life flowers and reference images.
Take a peek inside
This is just a small snippet to give you a taste of what you can expect inside the course.
Who is this really for?
Whether you are an absolute beginner or have worked with watercolors before, this course is designed to help you elevate your floral painting skills and create stunning floral compositions that reflect your personal style.
If you have a passion for painting flowers and want to take your artistry to the next level, this course is just what you need.
By the end of this program, you would have…
Learned the ins and outs of painting loose watercolor flowers
covering everything from the fundamentals to advanced techniques (without the need to sift through countless YouTube videos for guidance).
Understood how to create stunning floral compositions
by bringing different flowers together harmoniously to evoke the right mood in your artwork and grab viewer's attention.
Fully understood how to add depth & contrast
including ways to depict light and shadow, negative painting, glazing, the power of white spaces, layering, loosening up, and so much more.
Discovered ways to create your own color combinations
and learned in-depth about color theory, warm and cool colors, tonal variation and how to use it effectively.
Learned to observe flowers differently and simplify your painting process
enabling you to confidently paint any flower from real life or reference images.
Learned to embrace mistakes
and make them a part of your painting, letting go of the perfectionist mindset.
But above all else…
Watercolor Floral Sanctuary will give you the confidence to finally
- Paint any flower you want without fearing the blank canvas
- Be able to create a variety of floral arrangements of your choice
- Mix the right colors for your paintings with ease
- Be able to create without feeling overwhelmed.
Here’s what my past students had to say …
Sue Hume
"I've taken several watercolor painting courses over the years, and this one is by far the best. Sushma is a delightful, talented instructor who is both an excellent artist and teacher. This course covers everything (and I mean everything) a watercolor floral artist needs to know. The videos are top quality enabling you to see clearly what Sushma is doing. Not only do you get the many teaching videos, but also several weeks of live zoom calls with Sushma where she answers questions and provides further explanation of various techniques.
It's a course every watercolor floral artist should take."
Hilde M
"Without this course I’d be still running in circles trying to figure out how to paint with watercolor (water-paint ratio, how to hold a brush for different results - details vs loose) and compose appealing floral art. Most definitely loosened up my style and I learned to go with the flow of the painting and not stress over details.
One of my favorite quotes from WFS from Sushma is “don’t worry if you don’t succeed on the first try, we can always paint again”. So true! We love painting, why would we want to master it all at once, it’s the process that makes it fun and interesting."
Prachi Dongre
"After completing any course or class, I always had a question, what should I paint next? This course has given me an answer to that question. WFS gave me various resources and ideas that I can capture in a painting. From color theory, light and shadow effects, shapes, different techniques, how and where to find references, how to create your own sketches- the course is very comprehensive.
I was an intermediate student when I joined course and still the amount of knowledge and insights I have gained from the course is incredible.
This is one investment I will not regret."
“I was telling my friend the other day that even if I had the option to take this whole course in-person with Sushma, I would still take this online version. I can go back over and over, watch every brush stroke and learn how Sushma moves her brush and explains every step. And each time I watch the lessons I learn something new, even if I had watched it before! It's packed with information”
Maria Francesca
“Thank you so much for creating a great class! Your explanations are easy to understand for a total beginner and this class actually lets me create something that I'm happy with and that looks pretty. That really makes the process of learning a new skill so much more enjoyable.”
Valie
“Absolutely loved Sushma's class. Haven't picked up a paint brush in 4 months and this was the perfect class to start painting again. Sushma reminds you to forget about perfection and let loose while you lose yourself in the art of creating.”
Michelle H
So What’s Inside the Course?
The Watercolor Floral Sanctuary course offers an extensive collection of pre-recorded video guides, totaling more than 20 projects, covering essential topics tailored to artists looking to enhance their floral painting skills.
You'll find comprehensive video tutorials on flower painting techniques, floral composition, color theory, crafting personalized color palettes, correcting and embracing mistakes, and conquering the fear of painting, among others.
The entire course is taught over an 8-week period, guiding you from beginner techniques to intermediate and advanced floral composition skills.
Acquire skills that you can apply to all your future creations.
Power of Mark Making
Learn how to effortlessly turn simple brush movements into natural-looking flowers. Simply playing with your brush has so much potential.
We also dive deep into art supplies. This is the class I wish I took when I first started with watercolors.
Color Theory Exploration
Develop an in-depth understanding of color theory and how to use it effectively in your paintings. Gain insights into warm and cool hues and learn how to balance them to create color harmony in your artwork with step-by-step examples.
Tonal Variation and its importance
Grasp the power of playing with tones in one color through monochromatic paintings. Learn how light and color shape your work, allowing your art to stand out without relying solely on a whole lot of colors.
Mix Flower Colors with a Limited Palette
Learn the art of capturing accurate flower colors without the need to hoard an excessive amount of paints. I will teach you how to identify flower colors through observation and practice using a limited palette to mix a wide array of hues.
Thumbnail Sketches and Composition Rules
Learn to create thumbnail sketches for your floral compositions. Discover the different simple rules of composition that you can apply to all your future paintings.
Color Composition
Learn to create various color palettes and discover how to use them to evoke the right mood in your artwork. I'll show you how to gather new colors from a variety of sources including books, magazines, reference images and everyday objects.
“I’ve found Sushma’s approach to teaching so supportive and welcoming. It’s not about rushing or feeling overwhelmed—whether you’re just starting out or have been painting for a while, you’re encouraged to take your time and enjoy the process. It’s been a great space to grow at my own pace." - Susan Eden
In addition to learning techniques for future use, you will also learn how to apply these techniques to
Master a variety of floral paintings and compositions
all guided by step by step video instructions
Lilacs
Learn to tackle light and shadow while painting lilacs using fresh flower examples.
Deep Dive into Roses
Explore painting a variety of roses with different colors and master the interplay of light and shadow.
Hydrangeas
Master negative painting and learn to tackle complex flowers with ease while painting hydrangeas.
Peonies
Learn to simplify the layers of petals of peonies and capture their fullness and three-dimensionality while still retaining the loose and expressive quality.
Floral Fusion
Combine various simple flowers and leaves to create a captivating composition with an organic flow. Learn ways to add movement to your paintings and make it whimsical yet full of life.
Romantic Rose Composition
Design romantic wedding style compositions using different types of roses. Learn how to set a soft and delicate mood in your painting.
Poppy Meadow
Discover diverse angles and perspectives for painting poppies. Learn how to keep your flowers transparent, yet bright and full of life.
Peony Ranunculus Composition
Paint a variety of peonies and ranunculus from different angles to create a striking composition. Gain the skill to transform a real-life peony bouquet into a stunning watercolor artwork.
Daffodils
Simplify reference images and the complex structure of daffodils and add depth using a few simple strokes.
Mixing Greens
Learn to simplify and paint a variety of leaves, berries and flowers with real examples. Discover the art of creating vibrant, natural-looking greens without blending them into a muddy mess.
Garden of Nasturtiums
Learn to paint a composition of nasturtiums, emphasizing vibrant oranges and greens. Learn simple tricks to depict overlapping leaves while maintaining the transparency of watercolors.
Dreamy Floral Composition
Create a dreamy floral composition using previously studied flowers. Learn to create soft, gentle color palettes to set the right mood through your paintings.
“If you are eager and serious to learn how to paint loose flowers, then this is the course for you to invest in. You'll see endless possibilities on how to be creative!
Her instruction on each module makes it easy for anyone to understand and follow through. So grateful that we can always go back to any lessons and repeat our work until we are satisfied with the results" - Grace Labrado
Additional Topics that will be covered
Change the Way You Observe Flowers
Transform your approach to observing real flowers and reference images, resulting in realistic yet loose and spontaneous floral paintings. We will be using numerous real flowers throughout the course to enhance your observation skills without getting overwhelmed.
Compilation of all my favorite color mixes
To help you decide which color mixes to use and to avoid buying an endless supply of paints, I am sharing an extensive list of all my favorite color recipes/combinations with you. This valuable resource eliminates the struggle to create the perfect mixes (I have done that for you!), giving you more creative freedom.
Paper Stretching and Buckling Avoidance: Immersion in Wet-on-Wet Techniques
Discover the art of stretching paper to prevent buckling, and delve into wet-on-wet techniques for achieving soft, dreamy effects in your artwork.
"I never realized how much I needed this creative escape until I started. It’s time well spent and takes me 'out of my head' for an hour or two each day. This course is like a treasure in my pocket, always there when I need it, helping me grow as an artist. Thank you so much, Sushma, for all your hard work in creating it."
- Delores Barnes
Bonuses for Extra Support and Motivation:
Bonus #1
Automatic Access to New Content Updates
The course content will be periodically updated based on your feedback and additional resource guides will be added. The aim is to ensure the course remains tailored to YOUR needs.
Every student is automatically provided access to the latest course version. Your student access DOES NOT EXPIRE, meaning you can revisit any content at your convenience and progress through the material at your own speed.
Bonus #2
Get Your Questions Answered in the Private Course Community
For the entire 8 weeks, I'll be available to address any of your course-related questions. I will share additional tips and tricks for each module and host LIVE Q&A sessions every week within the private Facebook student community.
My aim is to be with you every step of the way.
The private course community is the perfect place to share your progress, struggles, successes and receive feedback from me & fellow creatives as you go through the course together.
Joining the private Facebook group is optional. Rest assured that all LIVE Q&A sessions, tips, tricks, and paint parties will be saved on the course platform, ensuring you can access them at your convenience even if you do not join the Facebook group.
Bonus #3
Exercises to Discover Your Artistic Style
Engage in guided exercises designed to help you identify and nurture your unique artistic style, enabling your creative voice to flourish.
We'll explore different techniques, draw inspiration from diverse sources, and unlock your individuality. With multiple exercises, you'll have the tools to craft art that resonates deeply with you, truly reflecting the essence of your creativity. Get ready to take action on your creative goals and create art that speaks uniquely to you!
Plus! FREE Access to: Watercolor Starter Course for Beginners
This Starter Course is designed specifically for newcomers who want to hone their skills with fundamental exercises before delving into the main content. It is perfect for building a solid watercolor floral foundation.
In the Watercolor Floral Sanctuary, we start from the basics, gradually progressing to intermediate and advanced levels of floral painting. However if you're entirely new to watercolors (or haven't touched a brush before), this course offers additional practice and an in-depth exploration of foundational steps. It's the perfect stepping stone before diving into the main course.
Here is what you will get when you enroll
Lifetime Access
Start the course when it fits your schedule, revisit the course again and again and finish it any time.
All classes are pre-recorded with each module releasing one week at a time for 8 weeks. You do not have to be present LIVE to take the course.
Free Updates
Course content is periodically updated based on student feedback, supplemented with additional resources—all provided without any extra charge.
No Gatekeeping
I'll openly share every secret to watercolor floral painting. You'll gain access to ALL my insights and knowledge about floral artistry - no information is held back.
Work with me
I'll lead you through my complete painting process with detailed instructions - no fast-forwarded segments. My mistakes, challenges, and corrective steps are openly shared, allowing you to paint alongside me throughout the course.
Private community
Join the private Facebook group where you can share your progress, struggles and successes. Receive feedback from me & fellow creatives, and make new connections. You’ll also get regular paint prompts and assignments to help keep you on track.
Interactive LIVE Q&A
Participate in scheduled weekly live Q&A sessions to get direct answers to your queries. All Q&A sessions will be saved for later viewing on the course platform if you miss them.
Extensive FREE Reference Images
Gain access to a vast collection of reference images with each module, offering you unrestricted freedom to use them in any way in your future paintings.
Pam Gillespie
"Best teacher ever! The course was so thorough. So much practical information. Like how to fix a mistake or what size brush to use. Or even, what do I paint first in the composition.
Sushma has the perfect personality of a friendly, kind instructor. Once or twice I felt like, I can’t do this but Sushma kept us on track with her encouragement.
She truly is a gifted artist who shares what she has learned over the years of her journey into art."
Emilee Foster
"This is a wonderful course, and Sushma takes you on a journey with basic techniques to more challenging ones. She is always encouraging creativity, and gives wonderful examples as well as opportunities for us to explore on our own using the techniques she has taught us.
Having access to all the modules and being able to review over and over again, is something you couldn’t have with an in person class, and that has proven to be beneficial."
Sandhya Shanbhag
"Sushma has a knack for explaining complex techniques in a clear and understandable manner, which made it easy for me to grasp even the most intricate aspects of watercolor painting.
What I appreciated most was the feedback and guidance provided throughout the course. By the end of the course, I not only felt more confident in my watercolor skills but also inspired to continue exploring this beautiful medium further."
Meet Your Creative Guide
Hi, I'm Sushma.
Artist. Best-selling Author. Educator.
I made a switch from an automotive job to become a full time artist, and I know what it is like to feel confused, frustrated, and struggle to find my own unique style or to know what truly represents 'me' in this creative journey.
Not long ago when I first started painting, I was mostly just winging it, without any guidance or direction, hoping to create something that brought me joy. While that was fun, I was also overwhelmed and struggled to understand the foundational steps and the basic building blocks of creating with watercolors.
Over the years I have honed my skills and tried to understand what works best. I’ve also had the joy and privilege of teaching over 15,000 students across the globe through my online classes over the years and published two successful watercolor painting books.
I ha
ve been where you are
I am here to teach you ALL my techniques ( and I really mean all ) to help you grow your creative skills with confidence!
Hannah Clements
"Sushma teaches everything about painting loose colorful flowers and leaves. She includes supplies and equipment, brush strokes, color mixing, many types of specific flowers, composition and how to design a painting with many flowers in it, lighting , textures, negative painting, and so much more. Sushma’s teaching style is clear and methodical with lots of explanations so the student has every opportunity to understand the technique. Questions are also welcomed."
Sheila Agustini
"Sushma is the best mentor! She poured her heart into teaching the students, no gatekeeping, she provided zoom sessions to give us feedback every week and she took time to acknowledge everyone in the course. Joining WFS is one of the best decision I’ve ever made in my watercolor journey! Thank you so much!"
“If you are passionate about painting florals, this course is a must for you. There is so much to unpack and each time you revisit the modules, you will gain new insights. Certainly worth every penny I invested in my creative journey!” Vrinda Sarma
“I highly recommend Watercolor Floral Sanctuary to all students. The modules progressively increase in complexity and my favourite was learning how to paint clustered flowers through negative painting. I wouldn't have been able to paint these flowers without the step by step guidance provided in the course.
I've have fallen in love with painting once again. Thank you Sushma” - Malavika
“My biggest takeaway is the ability to observe nature and paint in a loose form, focusing on a few elements rather than the whole picture.
I no longer need to depend on a tutorial for inspiration!”
Charishma
“The way she teaches is really in a flow that feels relaxing and fun and there is never any pressure to be doing it right or well. She is just very encouraging and it is impossible NOT to improve ones painting along the way. I would recommend Watercolor Floral Sanctuary without question.”
Keri
“If you are interested in watercolor painting florals, this is the place to start. It's a rare place to find an excellent teacher of beginners who uses a structured lesson sequence so that you will be capable of painting many other flowers into the future.”
Vivian Mizuta
“This course contains so much information and excellent lessons. Plan on 2-3 hours per week watching the videos and then more time practicing the lessons. It's more like a college level course that you are getting!” - Lynn B
Accelerate Your Progress
Developing your art skills takes practice.
But it can be tough when you're all over the place, trying every free tutorial under the sun. It might take years or even decades to reach your goal that way.
But here's the key: Practice the right things. This course is designed to help you transition from a scattered approach to a streamlined one, allowing you to reach your goals faster.
Now is Your Time
There's no such thing as the "perfect" time, and life is too short to delay investing in yourself and your happiness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When does the course start and finish?
What's included?
What art supplies do I need?
What level is the course suitable for?
Do I get access to future updates and does my access expire?
Will there be an online community for this course?
What if I don't have time to watch it right now?
The course is in USD, how do I know what the price is in my own currency?
What's your refund policy?
I don't have the money right now, will this be available again?
"The course helped me become a better artist because it covered so many different aspects of what is involved in painting that will carry over into whatever medium I use."
-Sue Hume
Come join me as we paint these flowers (and so many more) together:
I'm Sushma Hegde
ARTIST . BEST-SELLING AUTHOR . TEACHER
It's my passion to help artists succeed.
Watercolor Floral Sanctuary is here to help you create art you're proud to share with the world.
I can't wait to see you inside!
JOIN ME NEXT TIME →