Zoom Workshop 138: Simply Sweet Cherries

Botanical Art for Beginners: Learn to Draw Cherries

An Informational & Informal Botanical Illustration Workshop in Watercolor & Colored Pencil

Join us for a two-day workshop!

Sunday, July 19, 2026: 3pm – 7pm ET

Wednesday, July 22, 2026: 6pm – 7:30pm ET

✏️ Instructors: Pam Thompson & Sam McWilliams
✅ Level: All levels, beginners and beyond!
🌱 Botanical Subject(s): Cherries (in clusters, if possible)

We will start with the fundamentals of drawing a single cherry and finish with a full composition of a cheerful cherry cluster.

Workshop Description

There’s a moment for every artist when something clicks, when colors start to sing, shadows settle into place, and you look at your paper and think, “Wow, I made that!”. If you’re ready for your botanical art epiphany, join Pam and Sam for a workshop that makes you feel capable from the very first mark you make. 

Stroke by stroke, layer by layer, they will demonstrate their whole process in real time, using a mixed-media approach that combines the luminosity of watercolor with the control of colored pencil. It’s one of the most rewarding combinations in botanical illustration, and cherries are the perfect subject to practice.

Why Are Cherries Such Delightful Drawing Subjects?

Their simple, round shapes make them approachable for beginners, while their reflective highlights, rich color depth, and delicate surface sheen give even seasoned artists something satisfying to explore. From how the glossy skin catches the light, to how the deep ruby-to-crimson color shifts across each curve, to how the stem curls slightly emerging from the fruit, cherries are beautiful botanical subjects that we love to draw again and again.

What We’ll Practice

Cherries are so charming, but the real cherry on top is