Capturing Conservatories En Plein Air: West Conservatory

Capturing Conservatories En Plein Air: West Conservatory

In-Person Creative Arts Class
Close-up view of an artist painting an orange watercolor flower on paper, with a palette of vibrant paints and a smartphone visible nearby.
William Hill

Dates & Prices

Tuesday, February 17, 2026
10:00 am-2:00 pm

Inclement weather date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026


Fee: $109

Fee for Innovators, Gardens Preferred, and Gardens Premium Members: $98


Fee includes all-day admission to the Gardens on the day the class is onsite.

Registrations may be cancelled up to two weeks before the event, and your registration fee, less a $30 processing fee, will be refunded. Please note that refunds are not available for programs moved to scheduled inclement weather dates. 

To notify us of your cancellation, email us or call 610-388-5454.

Register by February 11, 2026

Gardens Preferred, Gardens Premium Members and Innovators save on Continuing Education Courses

A 10% discount on classes will be applied automatically at the time of checkout. 

The West Conservatory, recently completed as part of Longwood Reimagined, is a stunning glass cathedral housing a Mediterranean-inspired landscape. Enjoy the calm atmosphere and inspiring setting while you use your watercolors, easel, and tools to create a beautiful depiction of your favorite aspects of our West Conservatory—all while gaining expert guidance when you need it.

New to plein air painting? This class begins with an optional pre-recorded orientation covering all you need to know to create a stunning piece.

Location

Conservatory District

Instructor

Diana Heitzman 

Diana Heitzman is an artist who is active in botanical painting. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia, and studied at Temple University in Rome, Italy. Post-graduation, Heitzman studied graphic design and advertising at Moore College of Art in Philadelphia and worked as an art director. Heitzman has taught in Cape May County as well as Mt Cuba Center and Center of the Creative Arts in Delaware. She has shown her work in several galleries and completed multiple commissions, including the Wilmington Flower Market Poster. For the past 20 years she has exhibited and sold her paintings at the annual Philadelphia Flower Show. She is a member of the American Society of Botanical Artists and the Philadelphia Society of Botanical Illustrators.