Painting flowers and foliage is harder than it appears.

Flowers can be more difficult to paint than people! They're soft yet structured, opaque but will glow in certain lighting, and come in myriad colors and patterns that complicate the task of painting light and shadow.

Painting flowers used to be my weakness, but no more! I've learned the keys to painting beautiful, realistic flowers, and a vast array of plants and leaves. In this class, I'll teach you how to tackle the problem of painting these organic yet abstract forms.

What You'll Learn

You will have the option of working from life, photos, or a combination of both. Real and silk flowers will be available, and each student will be given a shelf for their still life which will not be disturbed between classes. Choose to paint one larger or two smaller compositions depending on your goals.

The class is designed to teach you the foundational skills needed to express form, depth, color, and composition specifically as it's related to plants. After completing this workshop you'll know:

• How to think about the form of different types of flowers before you paint.
• Learn to establish a value pattern and balance softness, structure, and transparency.
• Control your chroma: Master color mixing so that bright flowers appear intense and delicate ones are subtle.
• Use compositional elements to create depth and control the eye's path, making an intentional painting.

Flora: Weekend Workshop Structure

Day 1 Morning Session: Begin work in monochrome to understand the structure of your flower(s) and establish form and depth. You'll learn how to start with large simple shapes and develop them into soft, supple petals and leaves.

Day 1 Afternoon Session: You'll either continue on the morning's composition or start a new value study of a different type of flower. This will give you an opportunity to push what you've already started to the next level, or begin fresh with stronger knowledge of the process.

Day 2 Morning Session: Now it's time to tackle color! You'll learn the pros and cons of glazing and how to combine the technique with alla prima concepts. You'll understand how to maintain strong color or soften hues as needed with color theory.

Day 2 Afternoon Session: How can you add details, express transparency, and blend edges to create a moving composition that's more interesting than a flat photo? Your final session tackles these important concepts!

Workshop Location & Details

Studio address:
School of Realist Art
7800 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite #17
Overland Park, KS 66202

*Important: The studio entrance is on the back side of the building. Parking is also available in the back, accessible from Robinson St.

Arrive 10 minutes early to grab an easel and get situated. All materials are included with in-studio tuition, but you're welcome to bring your favorite supplies or props if you wish.

We will break for lunch around 12:30. You're welcome to use the refrigerator and microwave, or a list of nearby restaurants will be available.

Virtual Workshop Info

Live virtual attendance is via our private platform here at SchoolofRealistArt.com . You'll create a password and log-in to join the video meeting, with the ability to use your camera and microphone as needed to interact with Lacey and the rest of the group. Plus you get the best seat in the house with clear video of the live demonstrations, as well as illustrated feedback when you submit your progress by email.

Photo references will be available for you to use, or you can work from your own photos or still life set-up at home. While the workshop will be focused on oil painting, you're welcome to use acrylic, watercolor, pastels or other similar media as you wish. Here's a recommended supply list to have the best experience in this course.