Daria — botanical watercolour artist

Biography

About My Art

Guiding the brush like a violin bow — this principle shapes my artistic practice. With the precision I developed over nearly three decades as a classically trained violinist, I devote myself to botanical watercolour painting. Every brushstroke carries the discipline of daily practice and the love for the smallest detail.

My works are scientifically accurate botanical studies on archival paper — from lifelike miniatures to large-format compositions. I work exclusively with carefully selected, lightfast pigments of the highest professional standards.

I find my inspiration in living plants, my own photographs, and a botanical journal where I collect drawings, colour mixtures, and scientific observations.

Featured by Daniel Smith · St Cuthberts Mill · World Orchid Conference · Society for Botanical Art Germany
Botanical journal with field sketches, colour studies, and a living nasturtium plant

Education

Musical Training

Master of Music, Professional Performance (Violin)

Master of Music, Duo with Pianist

Bachelor of Music, Orchestral Performance

Folkwang University of the Arts, Essen, Germany

Artistic Development

Independent botanical watercolour painting

Since 2022 · Continuous education in botanical illustration and watercolour techniques

Awards

2026

Certificate of Merit, 3rd Place, Plant Identification

24th World Orchid Conference, Dresden · International jury of botanists and artists

Daria receiving the Certificate of Merit at the 24th World Orchid Conference 2026, Dresden
Award ceremony, 24th World Orchid Conference, Dresden 2026

Exhibitions

2026

Botanical Art Exhibition "Orchids, Orchids, Orchids"

24th World Orchid Conference, Dresden · 50 artists, 7 countries

2025–2026

Endangered Species – Online Exhibition

Society for Botanical Art Germany

Collections

Works in private collections throughout Germany

Teaching & Demonstrations

I offer live demonstrations and workshops for art societies, botanical institutions, and private groups — online and on-site. With 20 years of teaching experience and a background in professional music education, I bring both artistic depth and clear, structured instruction to every session.

Daria giving a live demonstration at the 24th World Orchid Conference 2026, Dresden · Photo: Paul Upward
Live demonstration at the 24th World Orchid Conference, Dresden 2026. Photo: Paul Upward
2026

"Working on a Botanical Journal" — Live Demonstration

24th World Orchid Conference, Dresden

2026

"My Signature Palette" — Online Workshop

Society for Botanical Art Germany

2026

Interview

Journal of the Society for Botanical Art Germany

2025

"Mixing Greens" — Live Demonstration

Society for Botanical Art Germany

2025

Featured in the Journal

Society for Botanical Art Germany

Ongoing

Free live painting sessions

Every two to three weeks · @daria.botanicals

Available for workshops and demonstrations — art societies, botanical gardens, institutions, private groups. Online and on-site, topics tailored to your group.

Book a Workshop

Artistic Practice

Pigment Journal & Botanical Journal

Documenting artistic development · @daria.botanicals

Botanical field studies

Working with living plants, own photographs, and direct observation

Scientific accuracy & material knowledge

Specialization in lightfast pigments, colour theory, and archival-grade materials

Personal

Daria exploring nature with her daughter

When I'm not in the studio, I explore gardens, greenhouses, and wild places with my husband and daughter — always with a sketchbook in hand. We grow our own plants on the balcony, hike in the mountains, and practice yoga together as a family. We live in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

For inquiries regarding commissions, workshops, or exhibitions: