Are watercolor supplies provided?

Yes, all required materials are provided, but you may bring your own if preferred.

Is prior painting experience necessary?

No, the course welcomes all skill levels, including beginners.

What is the group size?

The class accommodates up to 15 participants to ensure personal attention.

Are the sessions held indoors or outdoors?

Most of the course takes place outdoors in the garden, weather permitting.

Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing with sun and insect protection are recommended.

Is The Kampong accessible by public transportation?

While some bus routes serve the area, most visitors find car or rideshare transportation more convenient.

Unlock Creativity with The Harmonics of Watercolor Course at The Kampong, Miami

Located in the heart of Miami’s historic botanical gem, The Kampong offers an inspiring setting for The Harmonics of Watercolor - a transformative two-day course designed for nature lovers and aspiring artists alike. This unique program, led by local artist Eileen Seitz, invites participants to explore the art of watercolor painting through a dynamic relationship with the garden’s diverse flora and serene landscapes. Set against a backdrop of tropical plants, rare trees, and winding pathways, the course provides both a creative outlet and a gentle retreat from the urban bustle of Miami.

The Kampong itself is a standout destination in Florida’s outdoor recreation scene. Founded in the early 20th century, it is one of only five botanical gardens forming the National Tropical Botanical Garden network. Here, the rich collection of exotic fruits, flowering plants, and native species offers a stunning palette for artists to observe and interpret. This course takes full advantage of those elements, guiding students through color theory, composition, and geometry tailored specifically to natural subjects.

Over two immersive Saturdays, participants develop skills by painting from direct observation under the expert guidance of Eileen Seitz. The class balances technical instruction with time to connect deeply with the environment—everybrushstroke reflecting the vibrant colors and unique textures of The Kampong’s living collection. The careful blend of artistic practice and healing makes this experience both educational and restorative.

By joining this course, travelers get more than a typical art class. They step into a century-old garden rich in botanical history, where each corner tells a story of tropical exploration and conservation. Eileen provides all necessary materials, though students are invited to bring their own supplies if preferred. Practical tips, like sun and insect protection and comfortable footwear, ensure comfort during garden sessions.

Why book this adventure in Miami? It’s a rare chance to combine outdoor exploration with a creative journey in a location that champions environmental stewardship. The course stands out for integrating a deep botanical experience with art, making it ideal for anyone seeking inspiration outside traditional galleries.

Whether you live locally or are visiting Miami, The Harmonics of Watercolor - 2 Day Course at The Kampong offers a fresh way to experience the city’s natural beauty while honing your watercolor skills in a supportive, vibrant setting.

About The Kampong - National Tropical Botanical Gardens

The Kampong — part of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens — is a historic tropical garden located in Miami, Florida on the shores of Biscayne Bay. The site preserves the Fairchild-Sweeney House and showcases the legacy of plant explorer David Fairchild through extensive exotic fruit trees, rare tropical species, and curated collections. Visitors can choose docent-led guided tours that highlight the estate’s history and plant collections, or self-guided tours that allow leisurely exploration with a provided map.

The Kampong hosts a rotating schedule of hands-on workshops and classes set in the garden landscape. Offerings include cyanotype printing for fabric, community indigo dip workshops teaching Shibori resist dyeing, edible gardening programming presented with UF/IFAS (recommended for ages 12 and up), watercolor courses led by local artist Eileen Seitz, and all-levels yoga with Sam Reynolds. Forest bathing sessions guided by neuroscientist Karina Del Punta focus on sensory practices grounded in science; evening Moonrise Forest Bathing is offered under the full moon.

Several specialty experiences such as macrophotography, ikebana, functional movement, and seasonal events invite creative engagement with plants and place. Cyanotype workshops note limited spaces to encourage advance booking. The Kampong combines plant conservation, education, and cultural programming on a historic estate, offering both structured interpretation and independent discovery for visitors interested in botany, art, sustainability, and Miami’s tropical landscape.

Public programs emphasize hands-on learning, conservation-minded practices, seasonal plant highlights, and the site supports research, education, and community engagement for residents and visitors from Miami and beyond, with year-round programming and volunteer opportunities available.