In each of the workshops Hillary Parker will teach as the July 16 through 19 artist-in-residence at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, participants will be encouraged to approach their own artwork from a different perspective.

A keen interest in nature, art and poetry is the prerequisite for “Painting Poetry and Nature,” a full-day workshop on Tuesday, July 16.

The group will gather natural objects on the Gardens grounds and then paint them. Everyone should wear walking shoes and dress for the weather with lots of pockets or a bag to collect objects from nature’s floor.

Parker will highlight Maine poets to provide inspiration for the artwork, and participants may bring in favorite poems to share and inspire.

The painting segment of the class will be in a studio setting in the Bosarge Family Education Center. Some prior drawing/painting experience will be helpful but is not necessary.

The fees for this 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. program are $120 for members and $150 for nonmembers.

At 4:30 p.m. on July 16, the Gardens will celebrate Parker and the exhibit of her stunning watercolors with a reception in the Education Center lobby. Refreshments will be served.

The “Edible Art” workshop on Thursday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., is for artists and gourmands who want to tempt their palates while using their palettes.

Guided by recipes for delicious dishes provided by Gardens Chef Laura Francis, the group will select plants from the Kitchen Garden and then hone their drawing and watercolor techniques in the Education Center as they create illustrations using the organic foods grown at the Gardens as models.

They may nibble on some edible art as well. Fees for this class are $120 for members and $150 for nonmembers.

“Wine and Watercolors” from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 19 will be an evening of artistic play accompanied by liquid refreshment.

In the tranquil setting of the Education Center, the group will explore the world of watercolors, creating one-of-a-kind note cards. No prior art experience is necessary. Fees for this program are $45 for members and $55 for nonmembers.

Hillary Parker is a naturalist and international award-winning botanical watercolor artist with paintings exhibited and sold worldwide.

As a former resident of Camden, Maine, she now works from her studio on St. Simons Island, off the coast of Georgia, returning to Maine to spend time with family in Boothbay whenever time permits.

She has enjoyed a dual career of teaching and painting for more than 20 years and enjoys keeping up with the demands of private and public commissions, juried exhibitions, lectures, international workshops and solo and group shows with galleries that represent her.

To sign up for classes or for more information, visit www.MaineGardens.org, or call 207-633-4333, ext. 101. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is on Barters Island Road in Boothbay.