Anna Farba is a Member of International Watercolor Society – Canadian Branch

Honoring My Passion for Watercolor

I'm thrilled to announce that I’ve officially become a member of the Canadian Branch of the International Watercolor Society (IWS Canada) — a vibrant community of artists dedicated to the mastery and celebration of watercolor painting around the world.

watercolor society artist member Anna Farba

As a full-time freelance illustrator specializing in botanical and watercolor illustration for books, packaging, and editorial work, I’m constantly pushing myself to grow as an artist, refine my practice, and contribute to a global community that values nature, beauty, and artistic integrity.

What Is the International Watercolor Society (IWS)?

The International Watercolor Society is a global, non-profit organization that promotes peace and harmony through the medium of watercolor. The Canadian branch, IWS Canada, supports Canadian artists by organizing exhibitions, fostering creative growth, and offering international visibility through its affiliations.

Being part of this organization means joining a circle of professional and emerging artists who are deeply committed to the craft of watercolor painting.

Why This Matters for My Illustration Clients

Joining IWS Canada reflects my long-term commitment to professionalism and excellence in watercolor. My clients—publishers, product developers, wellness brands, and creative directors—can feel confident working with a watercolor illustrator who values:

  • Artistic credibility and global recognition

  • A deep understanding of traditional painting techniques

  • Ongoing professional development in fine art and illustration

Whether I’m painting a medicinal plant for an educational book, illustrating food for packaging, or creating custom botanical art for a client’s brand, I draw on my deep knowledge of watercolor as a medium—and a dedication to telling stories through nature-inspired visuals.

Hand-Painted Watercolor, Backed by Experience

My membership with IWS Canada complements over a decade of experience as a freelance botanical and food illustrator. I’ve worked with clients across North America and Europe, providing high-quality artwork for:

  • Cookbooks and editorial publishing

  • Packaging for tea, herbs, wellness products

  • Illustrated plant charts and educational materials

  • Surface pattern design with botanical themes

A Note of Gratitude

Thank you to IWS Canada for welcoming me into this inspiring community of watercolor artists. I look forward to learning from fellow members, sharing my work, and contributing to projects that celebrate the beauty and versatility of this timeless medium.

Let’s Work Together

If you’re looking for a watercolor illustrator who specializes in hand-painted food, plants, flowers, and nature-themed artwork, I’d love to hear more about your project.

Anna Farba on Illustrators for Hire – Plants+Floral, Food+Drink Categories

Thrilled to Join the Illustrators for Hire Community!

I'm so excited to share that I’ve been accepted into Illustrators for Hire — a curated platform connecting top freelance illustrators with creative projects around the world. My work is now listed in the Plants + Floral and Food + Drink categories, two of my most loved subjects as a watercolor artist and botanical illustrator.

Anna Farba is a Member of Illustrators for Hire, professional illustrators directory

Anna Farba is a Member of Illustrators for Hire, professional freelance illustrators directory

Being included alongside so many talented illustrators is a true honor. This recognition feels like a meaningful milestone in my journey as a freelance watercolor illustrator, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect with new art directors, editors, and clients who are looking for hand-painted, nature-inspired illustrations.

Why This Matters

Platforms like Illustrators for Hire are a great resource for creative professionals seeking trusted, high-quality freelancers. Getting listed here means my work is more visible to publishers, agencies, and brands who value custom illustration — especially in the botanical, culinary, and wellness spaces. It also reinforces my commitment to working at the highest professional standard in terms of both art and client experience.

My Featured Categories

Here’s where you can now find me:

  • Plants + Floral Illustration: This is the heart of my practice. I specialize in detailed watercolor botanical illustrations of wildflowers, foliage, and healing plants, often used in packaging, publishing, and surface design.

  • Food + Drink Illustration: From illustrated recipes and cooking herbs to watercolor fruits, vegetables, and pantry goods — food art has long been a favorite subject in my portfolio.

What’s Next

If you’re an art director, editor, or brand representative looking for custom watercolor illustration, I’d love to hear about your project. You can browse my work, explore my illustration services, or get in touch to start a conversation.

Let’s Work Together
Visit my Contact Page to inquire about commissions, collaborations, or licensing. Or explore my portfolio for more examples of hand-painted watercolor botanical and food illustrations.

How I Became a Freelance Watercolor Illustrator

Becoming a freelance watercolor illustrator wasn’t something I planned from the very beginning—it was something that evolved naturally over time. With a love for nature, a passion for painting, and a deep interest in plants and flowers, I found my voice in botanical watercolor illustration and built a creative business around it.

Watercolor botanical illustration process by Anna Farba

Early Inspiration

My journey started with a simple love for drawing and observing the natural world. As a child, I spent hours in my family garden observing flowers and plants, gathering herbs for teas with my grandma, not knowing that these quiet moments would one day shape my career. Over time, I discovered watercolor painting, and the medium felt like home. Its softness, fluidity, and transparent layering matched perfectly with how I wanted to depict nature.


Studying Art and Honing My Skills

Although I didn’t take a traditional academic route focused solely on botanical art, I spent years learning techniques, exploring different mediums, and developing a signature style. I took courses in traditional illustration and art fundamentals while earning my Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts. I spent a couple of years in graphic design before becoming a freelance illustrator. Once I had a pretty good idea of the portfolio I wanted to develop, I practiced (a lot!) to improve my hand-painted watercolor techniques.

Eventually, I found myself gravitating toward painting plants, flowers, foliage, and natural forms. I loved the balance between scientific accuracy and expressive brushwork. That’s when I knew I wanted to specialize in botanical watercolor illustration.


From Passion to Profession

Transitioning to a professional freelance illustrator didn’t happen overnight. I began by sharing my work online—on social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest—and slowly built a community of people who appreciated my art.

My first freelance clients found me through freelancer platforms and commissioned custom watercolor illustrations for weddings, product packaging, editorial, and more. Consistent growth of my portfolio and content helped me grow steadily. I learned how to quote projects, communicate with clients, license my artwork, and meet deadlines—all key skills for a freelance watercolor illustrator.


Building a Sustainable Illustration Career

As my business grew, I refined my offerings and narrowed my focus to what I love most: botanical art for publishing, packaging illustration, and surface design. I built a portfolio of commercial work, attended online trade shows, and expanded my reach by offering custom plant illustrations, editorial food artwork, and scientific botanical drawings.

Now, I run a full-time illustration studio from Vancouver, working with clients worldwide. Each project is different, but my process is rooted in nature, storytelling, and hand-crafted detail.

Anna Farba is a freelance watercolor illustrator

Advice for Aspiring Freelance Illustrators

If you're thinking about becoming a freelance watercolor illustrator, here are a few things I’ve learned:

  • Find your niche. Specializing in something like botanical illustration helps you stand out.

  • Build an online presence. A clear portfolio and consistent online updates help people discover your work.

  • Create a smooth client process. Be clear about timelines, deliverables, and revisions.

  • Never stop learning. Illustration trends and client needs change—keep evolving.


Final Thoughts

Being a freelance watercolor illustrator allows me to live a life rooted in creativity, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Whether I’m illustrating healing herbs, wildflowers, or recipes, I feel incredibly grateful to turn my passion for painting into a thriving business.

Ready to Work Together?

If you're looking for a freelance watercolor illustrator to bring your ideas to life—whether for publishing, product packaging, or a custom botanical surface design project—I’d love to hear from you! Explore my professional history or get in touch to start a project.

NEW WORK: KEW Answers book illustrations

KEW Answers for Everyday Gardeners by Polly Stevens

Book cover art illustration of an abstract plant

Kew Answers for Everyday Gardeners solves all your gardening conundrums, from pest control to pruning, and wildlife to weather management, with a series of 100 questions.

Client: Quarto Publishing

I was tasked to create ink illustrations in a minimalistic, contemporary botanical ink and brush style to be featured on the cover and chapter openers. Every illustration was hand-painted on paper and delivered as digital print-ready files.

Book cover art illustration of an abstract plant

Chapter opener illustration of garden objects

Gardening is one of my favorite themes to illustrate! If you are interested in hand-painted ink illustrations for a publishing project, get in touch.

Reviews from my Print shop: Botanical wall art. Shop small in 2024!

Welcome to my Print Shop review roundup! In this post, I’m excited to share feedback from wonderful customers who have chosen my botanical wall art to bring nature-inspired beauty into their homes.

As a small business owner in 2024, I’m so grateful for the support of those who choose to shop small. If you’re looking to add a touch of nature to your walls, or find the perfect gift, I hope these reviews inspire you to explore the unique offerings in my collection.

Lily of the valley botanical art print
Lily of the valley botanical art print
from $32.00

Lily of the Valley art print: “A very high quality print. Thank you!”

Huckleberry art print: “Shipping was fast, and the painting is just beautiful!”

Red clover botanical art print
Red clover botanical art print
from $32.00

Red clover botanical art print: “This beautifully detailed artwork is a highlight of the room!”

Poison garden botanical art print
Poison garden botanical art print
from $30.00

Poison garden art print: “The print is absolutely beautiful and goes perfect in my moody half bath”

Belladonna art print: “Print shipped quickly and arrived adequately protected. The print itself is gorgeous and excellent quality. I can't get over how velvety the texture is 🥵 Thank you so much!”

Thank you for exploring these wonderful reviews! If you're looking to bring a touch of nature to your walls or find a thoughtful gift, I hope this inspires you to discover the unique pieces in my Shop. Here’s to finding something special to make your space bloom!

Birth Flowers and their meaning. ✨NEW✨ 2025 Floral Calendar

Step into a world of nature’s beauty with our Birth Flower Calendar – a heartfelt way to celebrate life’s precious moments! Each month unfolds with a vibrant watercolor flower painting, each bloom full of meaning and charm.

January: Snowdrop

Start the year with the resilient snowdrop, a symbol of pure joy and fresh beginnings. Try finding this little bloom peaking through the snow to welcome the new year with a smile.

February: Violet

Sweet violets bloom in February, representing loyalty, faithfulness, and a love that endures. Violets are also associated with purity and innocence due to their delicate petals and sweet fragrance. They symbolize a pure, untainted love or affection, as well as the innocence of youth.

March: Daffodil

The cheerful daffodil arrives with March, a symbol of rebirth and new joy. Let this sunny flower lift your spirits as you step into spring.

April: Daisy

The daisy is often associated with innocence and purity, partly due to its simple, unpretentious look. In the Victorian language of flowers, daisies were given to signify these qualities and new beginnings.

May: Lily of the Valley

Known for its small, bell-shaped white flowers, the lily of the valley represents humility, purity, and modesty. The flower’s unassuming beauty is a reminder of the elegance found in simplicity and the quiet strength of humble qualities.

June: Wild Rose

Wild roses are powerful symbols of love, passion, and beauty. For those born in June, the wild rose represents a deep, untamed love and an appreciation for natural beauty, symbolizing relationships that are heartfelt and enduring.

July: Larkspur

The larkspur, July’s birth flower, symbolizes positivity and dedication. Its vibrant blooms represent joy, commitment, and loyalty, embodying a lighthearted yet graceful spirit.

August: Poppy

Bold and vibrant, the poppy blooms in August, symbolizing strength and beauty. Despite its delicate appearance, the poppy can grow in harsh conditions, symbolizing resilience, strength, and the ability to thrive amid adversity.

September: Aster

In August, the aster shines as a star of late summer, symbolizing love, wisdom, and a hint of magic. The aster has long been linked to wisdom and intelligence. In Greek mythology, asters were sacred to the Greek gods and goddesses, symbolizing divine wisdom and understanding.

October: Marigold

October bursts into color with the marigold, a symbol of passion and creativity. With its bright, fiery colors, the marigold is often associated with passion, creativity, and warmth. It represents the spark of inspiration and is thought to encourage bold expression and imaginative thinking.

November: Chrysanthemum

As the year quiets down, November’s chrysanthemum brings calm and optimism. Chrysanthemums are often linked to loyalty, honesty, and sincerity, reflecting qualities valued in friendships and relationships.

December: Narcissus

End the year with the joyful narcissus, a flower of celebration and renewal. Narcissus flowers bloom in winter, bringing brightness and new life to the colder months. As a December birth flower, the narcissus symbolizes hope, optimism and good fortune, reminding us that beauty and new beginnings are always possible, even in the most challenging times.

Our Birth Flower Calendar is more than just a visual delight – it’s a year-long journey with nature’s loveliest blooms! Whether it’s a thoughtful gift or a special treat for yourself, this calendar brings a bit of floral magic to each month. Grab yours today and let the joy of birth flowers warm your heart all year round!

In Store:

2025 Illustrated Wall Calendar - Birth Flowers 2025 Illustrated Wall Calendar - Birth Flowers 2025 Illustrated Wall Calendar - Birth Flowers
2025 Illustrated Wall Calendar - Birth Flowers
from $35.00

Label illustrations for Procter&Gamble Ivory Body Wash

Procter & Gamble reached out to me to create label illustrations for a range of their Ivory brand Body Wash. The brief included illustrations across several labels, each featuring an original scent.

Ivory has a unique heritage, being the oldest brand created by the P&G, founded in 1879. The brief called for images that were artistically hand-painted in traditional media.

This presented an opportunity to focus on crafting the hand-painted look of watercolor painting with visible brush strokes while maintaining realistic detail. My efforts were spent creating the unique painted quality that makes watercolor illustrations so appealing.

I was commissioned to create artwork for the illustrated labels including Water Lily, Coconut, Aloe, Lavender, Jojoba, Honey, Original and Fragrance-free.

Art Supplies shopping in Canada Guide: Toronto

Welcome friends! In this Guide, we’ll explore Canada's best places to shop for art supplies.

Covering stores from both coasts, these stores are also online and offer shipping nationwide, so don’t be disappointed if you can’t visit in person.

This is a Part 2 Post about Toronto. Check out Part 1 about Vancouver.

Let me walk you through.

Above Ground Art Supplies in Toronto

My favorite location is next to OCAD University on 74 McCaul St. Step into Above Ground Art Supplies, and you'll immediately feel like you've entered an art lover's paradise, inside a 3-storey heritage building.

The store layout is like a treasure map, guiding you through a sea of colors, textures, and possibilities. It's a 3 storey adventure, and you're the fearless explorer.

Curated Selection:

Imagine walking into a store where every art supply feels like it's been handpicked just for you. That's the magic of Above Ground. From premium paints to the fanciest brushes, they've got a curated selection that will make your artistic heart skip a beat.

Quality Matters:

Above Ground takes pride in offering top-notch materials that will make your artwork sing. Whether you're into painting, drawing, or some funky mixed media, rest assured you're getting the good stuff.

For Every Artist:

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your artistic journey, Above Ground has something for everyone. It doesn't matter if you're a watercolor wizard, a charcoal champion, or a digital art diva – they've got the supplies to match your creative flair.

Watercolors Selection:

I always make my way to the watercolors section as I’m always curious to see the selection of professional quality watercolors. Here’s the selection you’ll find at Above Ground: Da Vinci, Daniel Smith, M Graham, QoR, Schmincke, Sennelier, Turner, Van Gogh, Windsor & Newton.

Above Ground Art Supplies stands out for the largest selection of everything you can think of when it comes to art supplies. I also spotted lots of cool accessories like pencil cases and planners/journals. They do offer discounts to local students and professionals who are a member of Canadian artist associations in-store.

Happy shopping!

Art Supplies Shopping in Canada Guide: Vancouver

Welcome friends! In this Guide, we’ll explore Canada's best places to shop for art supplies.

Covering stores from both coasts, these stores are also online and offer shipping nationwide, so don’t be disappointed if you can’t visit in person.

This is a Part 1 Post about Vancouver. Check out Part 2 about Toronto.

Let me walk you through.

Opus Art Supplies in Vancouver

Opus Art Supplies is an independently owned art supply store established in 1974.

I love visiting their flagship store in Downtown Vancouver, 555 W Hastings St U1, which you can enter by crossing the street from the Waterfront Station.

Brushes and Tools:

Opus has everything from tiny detail brushes to big, bold bristle brushes. If you’re in need of a palette knife, sponges, or porcelain palettes, they've got those too.

Drawing and Illustration Supplies:

If drawing is more your jam, Opus has your back with pencils, pens, markers, and sketchbooks galore. Whether you're into graphite, charcoal, ink, or colored pencils, they've got the goods.

Canvas and Paper:

Canvas, panels, specialty papers – classic canvases, mixed media, or printmaking, they got them, and their watercolor paper selection is exquisite. I sometimes get that one very expensive that’s the best quality hot press paper by the sheet.

Watercolors Selection:

I always make my way to the watercolors section as I’m always curious to see the selection of professional quality watercolors. Here’s the selection you’ll find at Opus: Daniel Smith, Schmincke, QoR Watercolors, Van Gogh, Winsor & Newton.

Opus Art Supplies stands out for its wide selection of art supply brands and dedication to fostering a thriving artistic community. The staff are artists too, and they love sharing their wisdom. Keep an eye out for workshops, demos, and events that you can register for free on the Opus website.

Happy shopping!