This is an online workshop. Oct 6 – Oct 20, 2026 Tuesdays 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM PST
(We will meet Tuesdays 10/6, 10/13 and 10/20)
A 3 week deep dive into painting Flowers. Each class will include lecture, demo and homework. All classes will be recorded and available to view for 6 months after the workshop ends. I will offer individual critiques for homework via a private Facebook group.
Workshop Description:
In this workshop, we will learn how to create expressive floral paintings. We will understand how light falls on flowers and how to capture their vibrant colors. Brushwork and edges can be used to simplify flowers as well as convey the illusion of complexity. This will help us interpret the essence of flowers without painting each petal. Each lecture will also include a workbook with 5 exercises based on all the concepts learned in that lecture. A sample solution key will also be included.
Workshop Outline:
Week 1
We will learn how to simplify flowers. We will discuss the structure of flowers and how they are affected by different lighting conditions. We will learn to use the 3 value system to simplify the subject and come up with a value plan. We will learn to use our reference as a starting point to create a good design.
Demo of light and shadow on flowers. Week 1 Workbook & Solution Key. Week 1 Homework.
Week 2
We will discuss color theory as it applies to flowers. We will discuss different strategies to create subtle value and temperature changes needed to capture the form of flowers. We will learn how to create vibrant and exciting paintings.
Demo on Color. Week 2 Workbook & Solution Key. Week 2 Homework.
Week 3
We will put it all together and discuss how to use brushwork and edges to convey the illusion of realism and details.
Demo. Week 3 Workbook & Solution Key. Week 3 Homework.
Critiques:
Each week, homework will be assigned to the students. Each student can submit 2 paintings per week for critique via private Facebook group. I will provide individual critiques on Facebook via comments. Additionally, I will select 5 paintings to discuss in class. These will be selected based on how they can facilitate class learning (not on merit).
What’s included!
- Extended Class Time: Each session is 3 hours long, giving us extra time for detailed critiques and more comprehensive demonstrations.
- Expanded Content: We’ll paint flowers in both indoor and outdoor settings while exploring a wider range of approaches and techniques.
- Workbook with Exercises: Each class includes a workbook with five exercises to reinforce the concepts we cover, along with sample solutions to help guide your practice. You’ll also receive homework assignments based on the class demonstrations.
- Personalized Feedback: Each week, you’ll be able to submit one or two paintings for critique in our private Facebook group. I’ll provide written feedback on all submissions and create a Procreate paint-over for one painting each week to demonstrate ways to strengthen your work.
- Updated Lessons and Techniques: As my own artistic practice continues to evolve, so do my workshops. I’ve refreshed the lectures, refined the exercises, and incorporated new teaching strategies to make the concepts clearer and more effective.
I am thrilled to teach this workshop and can’t wait to share this experience with you. I hope you’ll join me!
Workshop Materials List:
Here are the materials needed for the workshop. All the demos will be in oil but feel free to use oils, acrylics or gouache
Colors: My palette consists of warm and cool of each primary and white. I use Utrecht Colors.
You can use any brand of pigments. I recommend artist-grade colors.
I use the following pigments:
Titanium white
Cad yellow lemon
Cad yellow med
Yellow ochre
Cad red light
Quin rose
Ult blue
Paynes grey
Indian Yellow
Phthalo Blue
Brushes
Bristle Brushes – I like Blick masterstroke bristle brushes size 8, size 6, size 4. or Robert Simmons Signet bristle brushes but any brand of bristle brush is fine. I like to use filberts in sizes 4,6,8,10 but feel free to use what you have and are comfortable with.
Palette knife to clean your palette (wooden or glass palette recommended). I love this palette knife from Blick.
Solvent – Gamsol.
Medium – Solvent Free Gel by Gamblin.
Surface – For my artwork, I like to use hardboard panels and prime them myself with 4-5 coats of Liquitex acrylic gesso.
I like to use small to med sizes for copies like 6×8 in, 8×10 in, or 9×12 in.
Alternatively I recommend Canson Canva-paper for studies. You can buy either the loose paper pad or the paper mounted on foamcore artboard.
https://www.dickblick.com/products/canson-plein-air-canva-artboards
https://www.dickblick.com/products/canson-foundation-canva-paper-pads
Another option I have recently started using is the Yes all media Canvas Panels
https://www.jerrysartarama.com/yes-all-media-cotton-canvas-panels
