laura Silburn botanical art

"Over the past few years, I’ve built up a wealth of experience teaching all around the world, but in 2026 I’ll be staying in the UK, particularly in Cornwall, to focus on the lovely flora of the South-West once again!"

​​Short courses at the Sawpit

5-day botanical watercolour courses 

£395 including two-course lunch each day. £50 deposit to book a place. Click here for T&Cs.


The Sawpit Studio is in the grounds of the Wagon House, in a private area of the beautiful Lost Gardens of Heligan, which is near the fishing village of Mevagissey on the South Coast of Cornwall. This private studio is dedicated to botanical art and along with its own library of botanical books it has a light box, microscope and a whole wealth of equipment to borrow.

The 5-day courses aim to support you through the step-by-step process of line, tonal, colour matching and then watercolour finished piece and as the teaching will be mostly one to one, is suitable for all levels of experience – I’m just as happy teaching someone just starting out as I am helping experienced painters reach the ‘next level’. From delicate washes to sharp-dry-brush finishing, I will help you polish your technique, whatever your level.

Each day of the course you will be pampered with a delicious two-course lunch in the house, provided by our caterer (the famous ‘Ding’ lunches!) leaving you free to relax and concentrate on your artwork. 

Accommodation is available nearby, including at the Heligan Camping and Caravan Park next to the gardens, many local B&Bs and further options available in Mevagissey and St. Austell which are a short drive away.

Our classes are supportive, friendly and sociable and we will also organise an optional meal out one night of the week for us to get-together in the evening.

To book a course, be added to my emailing list so that you receive dates as they are announced, or for further information please contact me.

I hope to see you there!