New Art made in April: Wild Roses, Peaches, and Freesia — A Mediterranean‑Inspired Watercolor Collection
Wild roses botanical watercolor art by StudioReta
Wild roses watercolor painting
April was a month of color, warmth, and a little nostalgia in the studio. I spent the past few weeks working on a small trio of botanical watercolor pieces: Wild Roses, Peaches, and Freesia. Each one carries a different emotion, but they all share the same starting point — a single color that kept appearing in my mind.
It was that soft, glowing peach‑orange you see during sunsets, especially near the ocean. Maybe it’s because I recently moved closer to the water here in Boston. Maybe it’s because I’m always dreaming about the Mediterranean — the heat, the fruit stands, the long summer evenings. Either way, that warm peachy tone became the thread connecting these new paintings.
Below, I’m sharing the stories behind each piece, plus links to the originals and art prints so you can bring a little of this warmth into your home.
1. Peaches — A Taste of Summer Nostalgia
Art print link: (link)
The first painting in this series was Peaches. The color in my head immediately clicked with the idea of biting into a ripe peach on a hot summer day — the sweetness, the juice, the sun on your skin. Peaches have that perfect mix of softness and vibrancy, and painting them felt like painting a memory.
This piece is warm, summery, and full of that Mediterranean feeling I love so much. It’s a reminder of slow afternoons, fruit markets, and the simple joy of summer.
2. Wild Roses — Inspired by Summer Blooms
Art print link: [link]
Next came Wild Roses — the kind that bloom freely in the heat, with petals that shift from soft pink to orange‑red. These flowers always remind me of long summer walks and the way the air feels heavy and warm.
The peachy sunset color guided the whole palette. Wild roses have a natural, effortless beauty, and I wanted this piece to feel the same — loose, warm, and full of movement.
3. Freesia — A Personal Favorite and a Touch of Nostalgia
Art print link: [link]
Freesia is the “jolly joker” of this collection — it doesn’t fully match the Mediterranean theme, but it belongs here for a different reason: nostalgia.
I was born in January, and freesia is one of the few flowers you can find around that time. It’s the flower I used to receive for my birthdays, and it has stayed my favorite ever since. I can still imagine the fragrance and the delicate color combinations.
Painting freesia felt like painting a memory from home — soft, joyful, and deeply personal.
The Color That Connected Everything
All three pieces began with one color: that glowing peach‑orange that feels like a sunset over the sea.
It’s warm. It’s summery. It’s hopeful.
And it shaped the entire Spring collection.
Shop the Originals and Art Prints
If you’d like to bring one of these pieces into your home, you can find them here:
Each print is produced on high‑quality paper to preserve the softness and detail of the original watercolor.
A Month of Warmth, Color, and Memory
April’s paintings were a blend of Mediterranean daydreams, Boston sunsets, and personal nostalgia. They reminded me how much a single color can spark a whole story — and how painting is often a way of remembering.
If you’d like a behind‑the‑scenes look at the process or want to see what I’m working on next, you’re always welcome to visit the studio on Sundays or First Fridays.
Love,
Reta
May Markets & Workshop Schedule — Boston Art Events, Rain‑or‑Shine Markets, and My Last Workshops Before Fall
May is here, and with it comes one of the most exciting months for Studio Reta. Outdoor markets return, the studio opens its doors, and Boston finally begins to feel alive after a long winter. If you’re looking for Boston art markets in May, rain‑or‑shine handmade events, or botanical watercolor workshops, this month is full of opportunities to connect.
StudioReta setup in outdoor market
Markets Are Rain or Shine — And Yes, They’re Tricky
Boston markets are beautiful, vibrant, and… unpredictable.
Most outdoor markets here are rain‑or‑shine events, which means we show up no matter what the sky is doing. Weather affects everything — foot traffic, setup, sales, and even the mood of the day. One hour can be warm and sunny, the next windy and cold.
It takes time (and a lot of trial and error) to figure out which markets fit your art and your business.
And truly… have I mentioned they’re tricky?
But when the weather cooperates, markets are magical. You meet people who genuinely love handmade work, you see returning customers, and you get to share your art in a way that feels personal and meaningful. This is the absolute best way to meet nice people and discover a lot of artists.
May Market Schedule — Where to Find Studio Reta
Here are all the places you can find me this month. All events are rain or shine.
May 9 — NEOM Market ~ New England Open Market
A lively local market with a great community feel. Just right next to the Public Garden, in Boston, on Boylston Street.
I’ll have prints, postcards, and new spring pieces.
May 10 — SOWA Market
One of Boston’s most beloved art markets. Perfect for a Sunday stroll, Farmer’s Market vibe with lots of handmade art—coffee in hand, and discovering local artists.
May 16 — Seaport Summer Market
A beautiful waterfront art market — you might know its winter counterpart, Snowport. This is the summer edition of that vibrant market.
May 31 — SOWA Market
Closing out the month back at SOWA — always a favorite place to meet new people, my vendor and artist friends, and share my botanical watercolor work.
🎨 May Botanical Watercolor Workshops — Last Ones Before Fall
If you’ve been wanting to join a watercolor workshop in Boston, May is your moment. These will be my last workshops before I take a summer break to rest, travel, and gather inspiration for the next season. Actually, I will have two in June too, but the others are private classes.
If you are interested in a private event (birthday, bridal shower, corporate team-building event) with a watercolor workshop, check my website here.
Botanical Watercolor for Beginners
Date: May 12
Location: Albertine Press
Subject: 2 hours, gentle introduction to watercolor techniques, color mixing, and painting seasonal florals, this time Iris and Peony. Beginner- friendly class, all tools are provided.
Botanical Watercolor Craft Evening
Date: May 14
Location: Studio Reta, Studio 400
Subject: 2 creative hours at my studio, bring your project, or I can give you watercolor exercises, not a normal class, I am going to be there but not actually teaching, lots of tools are provided.
Botanical Watercolor class with peonies for Beginners
Date: May 17
Location: Matriarch, Newport, RI
Subject: Peony class in Newport! 2.5 hours, gentle introduction to watercolor techniques, color mixing, and painting seasonal florals. Beginner- friendly class, all tools are provided.
Why I Love May for Markets and Workshops
May is when Boston finally wakes up. Flowers bloom, people wander through SOWA with iced coffees, and the studio fills with sunlight. Even on the unpredictable days, there’s a noticeable shift in energy. Workshops feel especially good this month — everyone comes in with fresh post‑winter motivation, and it makes the whole room feel more alive.
Visit the Studio This Month
If you’re in Boston and want to explore local art, meet artists, or shop handmade botanical pieces, you’re always welcome to stop by:
SOWA First Friday (next one: June 5 )
Sunday Open Studios (every Sunday 11 am - 5 pm)
May and June workshops (last ones before fall!)
Markets on May 9, 10, 16, and 31
Our studio is a warm, welcoming space with lots of plants :) where you can see new originals, prints, postcards, and behind‑the‑scenes work.
See You in May — Rain or Shine
Markets may be unpredictable, but that’s part of the charm. Whether the sun is shining or Boston surprises us with another chilly breeze, I’m excited to share new art, meet you in person, and celebrate the start of the season.
With love:
Reta
4 WEEKS Botanical watercolor CLASS ~ a beginner’s journey into colors and creativity
Watercolor class - beginner friendly, 4 weeks series
4 WEEKS Botanical watercolor CLASS
a beginner’s journey into colors and creativity
Where?
The Local Hand Shop
Dorchester
When?
September 25, October 2, October 9, and October 16
4 classes
Wednesdays, 6 pm - 8 pm
Tickets:
buy your tickets HERE
A beginner course, tools, and workbook are provided.
About the class
Embark on a colorful journey with our four-week watercolor course, designed to transform beginners into the next level while having fun! This immersive 8-hour program is spread across weekly 2-hour sessions, each crafted to build your skills, and confidence and enjoy creativity.
SCHEDULE
Week 1 - Introduction to watercolor technique, supplies, and basic steps to create realistic botanicals
Week one lays the foundation with an introduction to watercolor techniques, supplies, and the delicate art of painting realistic flowers and plants. Margareta, our experienced instructor, will guide you through understanding brushes, pigments, and paper types, ensuring you're well-equipped to begin your artistic adventure.
Week 2 - Building layers to paint realistic plants, color theory
As the weeks unfold, you'll delve deeper into the craft. Week two focuses on mastering layering to bring lifelike botanical elements to your paper. Don't worry if you think you are not creative and can’t draw; pre-drawn templates are available to help you focus on painting. The intimate class (max. 8 people) setting guarantees personalized attention, allowing you to flourish under expert guidance.
Week 3 - Composition
Week three is all about composition, encouraging you to blend your newfound skills with personal preferences to create unique, expressive works. We are going to work on a pre-drawn sketch first and then you can also experiment with your favorite flora, playing with colors and layouts to achieve stunning compositions that reflect your style. Again, there is always help and you don’t need to do anything alone, a teacher is always there to help you.
Week 4 - Watercolor memories - making a vision board, conserving memories, using watercolor techniques (as a convertible medium) not just in botanical paintings (landscapes, buildings, different textures, etc. )
This session is not just about botanicals; you'll explore landscapes, architectural elements, and various textures, applying watercolor techniques to a range of subjects.
In this final class, we will embark on individual projects that require some preparatory work from the students before class. Each participant is expected to bring an idea of what they wish to paint, and the teacher will assist in integrating these projects. By the third session, everyone will receive a worksheet that aids in conceptualizing their ideas and understanding the fundamentals.
For example, if I want to paint a scene from my last trip to Italy—capturing the essence of summer, the Mediterranean atmosphere, the vibrant colors, the scent of flowers, the cuisine, and the people—I would gather inspiration from my photographs, Pinterest, and color collections to create a vision board. This process helps to consolidate various elements into a cohesive image. Once sketched, we will bring it to life with watercolors. This exercise not only preserves a cherished memory but is also an excellent way to gauge one’s ability to paint botanicals, a skill that can be easily adapted to other subjects. The goal is to incorporate ideas bravely and with the help provided by our teacher.
This course isn't just a class; it's a pathway to discovering your creative voice through the vibrant world of watercolors. Learn to enjoy the journey, have fun, relax, let it go if needed, and give yourself some space to play!
At the end of these 4 classes, you are going to have a strong base of knowledge on how watercolor works, you will be inspired to learn, and create more, make new art from your precious memories, and paint something for a gift, all while digging deeper into the enchanting medium of watercolor.
TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE