Boating Botanist
discover nature through artmaking
at 4 miles per hour
creative workshops guided by intentional observation
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for artists looking to be inspired by the natural world,
nature lovers who want to get in touch with their creative side,
or anyone interested in observing the world around them in a new way
discover nature through artmaking
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the boat
The speed limit on the British canal network is 4 mph. There is no better place to slow down and observe your surroundings.
Hi, I'm Kristel! I live and create aboard my floating studio Layla,
a purple 60-ft narrowboat, and draw directly on this lifestyle in facilitating creative workshops.
My workshops are for artists looking to be inspired by the natural world, nature lovers who want to get in touch with their creative side, or anyone interested in observing the world around them in a new way.
The emphasis of the workshops is on the creative process and having fun. No background in biology or art required, only curiosity.
the botanist
I’m a Harvard-educated botanist with a PhD in tree winter bud morphology. While working in the academic, botanical world, I learned to observe nature very closely.
It never ceases to amaze me which amazing surprises you can find in your natural surroundings if you just stop and look.
the art practice
I make stuff inspired by life
in the slow lane on the British canals
and by my background in botany
and evolutionary biology.
the creative events
I love to inspire naturalists
to embrace their creativity and
creatives to draw inspiration from nature.
I offer online programmes open
to anyone in the world and
place-based workshops tailor-made to venues and their unique natural surroundings.
26 January
the value of (not so) simply observing in botany
Guest lecture for the course Non-Human Designers
Rhode Island School of Design (online)
11 February
eight-page zine inspired by botany
Creative workshop free for members
Edge Hill Horticultural Society (Ormskirk, UK)
21 April
landscape-inspired concertinas
Creative workshop part of a holiday package
We Carry On (Reutum, NL)
17 May–4 June
timeless trees
Five weekly online creative sessions free tryouts ● SOLD OUT
Hosted on Zoom
events calendar for 2026
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4 August
landscape-inspired concertinas
Creative workshop part of a holiday package
We Carry On (Reutum, NL)
9 August
nature journaling
Online creative workshop free for members
Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University (online)
20 August
slow looking in botany
Keynote talk
Botanical University Challenge/Student Botany Festival (Reading, UK)
1 and 3 September
timeless trees taster sessions
Free sample class registration opens soon
Hosted on Zoom
15 September–13 October
timeless trees
Five weekly online creative sessions registration opens soon
Hosted on Zoom
2 October
autumn-inspired concertinas
Creative workshop more information available soon
Royal Talens Experience Centre (Apeldoorn, NL)
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your event here?
Do you have an idea for an event or collaboration? I'd love to hear from you.
here's what participants say
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”I appreciated the low-key, positive and creative approach of the instructor ... I have continued to use what I learned in the workshop and shared the ideas and practices with others.”
”Kristel's approach was very accessible and encouraging. Her supplies were fabulous. She was connective and super helpful, informative and friendly.”
”I enjoyed the way the class was structured and organized: presentation by the instructor, working with self-learning sheet (with exercise), going outside to get inspiration, and finalizing a project! Also, I enjoyed the atmosphere, that the class felt welcoming and open to everyone.”
”I know everyone who attended had a wonderful time and I think several will be inspired to continue to create. I have already pulled out my old drawing supplies and intend to make more time for my right brain to stretch its legs (or neurons!) again.”
”I don't consider myself a visual artist or drawing as a strength, but the program surprised me in what I could do.”
”It did inspire me to try to draw more, just because drawing so good for your brain.”
the Boating Botanist on Insta
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You can follow my adventures in boating, botany and artmaking on my Instagram account.
© 2026 Kristel Schoonderwoerd
Boating Botanist is a sole proprietorship registered in the Netherlands
Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KvK) number: 42037913