Do I need prior watercolor experience?

No, the course welcomes all skill levels and provides instruction from beginner to advanced techniques.

What is the best time of year to take this course?

Miami’s climate allows year-round sessions, but spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures and pleasant garden conditions.

Are art supplies provided?

Participants should bring their own basic supplies, but some materials may be available; confirm with the instructor prior to class.

Is the course suitable for children?

The course is designed for adults, focusing on detailed skill development and might not be suitable for young children.

Can I take a shorter version of the course?

Yes, there is an option for a 2-day course for those seeking a condensed experience.

Is The Kampong accessible?

The garden offers paved pathways accessible to most visitors, but check ahead for specific mobility accommodations.

water-based art classes at The Kampong in Miami

Located in Miami, Florida, The Kampong offers a unique setting for outdoor creativity amid one of the city's most captivating botanical gardens. "The Harmonics of Watercolor - 4 Day Course" presents a deep dive into watercolor painting led by local artist Eileen Seitz. This immersive workshop invites participants to connect with the vibrant natural surroundings while honing essential watercolor techniques such as color mixing, brushwork, and composition.

The Kampong itself, a rich 9-acre tropical garden on Biscayne Bay, is home to rare fruit trees and exotic plants that serve as vivid inspiration throughout the course. The garden’s mix of flowering trees, palms, and native subtropical flora creates a dynamic palette that elevates every brushstroke. The interplay of light and shadow found beneath the canopy offers an ideal environment to master watercolor’s delicate transparency and layering.

What sets this course apart is its blend of artistic instruction and nature immersion, allowing participants to not only develop their skills but also enhance their wellbeing through mindful, creative engagement outdoors. Eileen Seitz’s approach is both technical and intuitive, nurturing each artist’s individual style within a supportive and scenic space.

Miami’s cultural vibrancy and subtropical climate provide a perfect backdrop for this artistic escape, making The Kampong a standout destination for outdoor art experiences. Whether you choose the condensed two-day session or the full four-day course, you’ll walk away with sharpened artistry and a renewed connection to nature’s color harmonies.

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.