"Art is a collaboration between the heart and mind to expose a piece of the artist's soul."
Dan McCaw
floret
flo·ret| ˈflôrət | noun Botany one of the small flowers making up a composite flower head.
Origin: 17th century: from Latin flos, flor- 'flower'
Immediate Access
REGULAR PRICE: $98
Learn more about the whole course in the FREE PREVIEW lesson. Included: Overview of the class from Renee, Art Supply Video, Digital Workbook, and three preview lessons.
The class is pre-recorded, so you can go at your own pace with lifetime access.
FLORET | PAINTING EXPRESSIVE FLORALS
I invite you to join me for this beautiful creative experience as we explore the art of painting expressive flowers in oils (or acrylics). Every lesson is rich in content and inspiration, encouraging you to express what you see and feel.
How you observe a beautiful flower is as unique and individual as your fingerprints. Combined with who you are and your personal history, you can begin to create art that is filled with your beauty and your truth.
In this class, I share foundational elements of style that will bring beauty, mood, and drama to your paintings. I will share all my expressive painting techniques that have grown from experimentation and exploration.
Your art should be an individual interpretation of your subject, whether it is florals, landscapes, objects, or people. Creating art is more than just a good technique; it is finding the courage to look deeper into yourself and your subject to find the truth you want to express through your artwork. When you do this, your painting will genuinely reflect who you are and draw your viewer into your beautiful world.
Course Description
Lesson 1 | Say It With Flowers
The class begins with painting beautiful backgrounds on canvas or paper to photograph flowers with your camera or phone. I will share my tips on creating pleasing, artistic, and original floral photographs to inspire your artwork. As artists, the creative process is constantly changing and reflected in our art. Thinking about your subject and using it to develop your creative ideas makes your voice as an artist much clearer.
Lesson 2 | Petals, Paint & Pigments
I will take you through the basics of painting with oils using non-toxic solvents and pigments as you develop a lush color palette to use throughout the course. Oil painting doesn't have to be overwhelming, and I will break down the lessons into manageable steps, along with easy clean-up. Included will be a short demonstration on how to give your acrylic paintings the look of an oil painting. You can do the class in acrylic or any medium you choose.
I will demonstrate how mix gorgeous glazes, like the old masters, creating a beautiful veil of transparent color to paintings. You can’t help but fall in love with this forgiving and beautiful medium.
In this lesson, I will share with you simple ways to get started and how you can incorporate the beauty of natural pigments into your art. Whether you are a watercolor artist, oil painter, or prefer using acrylics, I will share how simple it is to use natural pigments.
LESSON 3 - Expressive Floral Studies in Charcoal
Charcoal On Paper
Experiment with sweeping lines, movement, loose, and expressive marks in charcoal to fully express what you see in your floral subject.
Whether you are drawing a fully rendered and realistic subject or a more expressive drawing, it should align with your creative vision, sensibilities, and what you choose to reveal about yourself. In this fun lesson we observe the shapes, color, texture, scent, shadows, and how the light is high lighting the edges of our flowers. Explore the importance of play, and allow your materials to guide your marks.
LESSON 4: SINGLE STEMS
Oil On Paper
Painting a small series of single blooms will allow your style to evolve as you reveal what you see in every flower. We begin by sketching our flowers in a thin layer of paint, painting a simple background, and then adding beauty and interest through layers, contrast, and expressive paint strokes. I will also discuss how specific colors evoke different moods within your paintings.
It is the perfect lesson if you're new to oils or painting flowers. I love the small format, which will help you create a beautiful series of blooms before you know it.
LESSON 5 - PETITE PAINTINGS
Oil or Acrylic on Linen Canvas Panel
In this lesson, I will share how to develop an atmospheric background to bring more drama to your floral paintings. And how to add beautiful, ethereal glazes that will add richness to your paintings.
These two small, romantic florals on linen canvas panels remind me of vintage paintings one might find at a French flea market.
LESSON 6 - Four Blooms
Oil On Paper
In this lesson, we will once again work in a series, as it is the best way to move through your creative process, take risks, and create something truly authentic to you.
I share the techniques to create lush romantic backgrounds and how to add layers of transparent colors that seem to float on the surface of your canvas. The process will create beautiful, moody floral paintings.
The lesson is a collaboration of your heart, hands, and head. Finding the courage to leave behind the pursuit of perfection and paint what you see and feel.
Techniques Taught
Paint beautiful backgrounds on canvas or paper to photograph flowers with your phone or camera
Tips on creating pleasing and artistic floral photographs to inspire your artwork
Learn to mix oil or acrylic paint from Non-Toxic Pigments (optional - I mainly use paint from the tube during the class.
Tips and Resources for Non-Toxic Solvents, Mediums, and Pigments
Helpful tips on cleaning up after an oil painting session
Expressive Charcoal Floral Drawing Lesson that will become another authentic source of inspiration.
Create beautiful and dramatic atmospheric backgrounds in your floral paintings.
Work in a series of paintings to further develop your artistic style
Mix glazes like the Old Masters to bring mood and drama to your paintings
Bonus No. 1:
A beautiful downloadable workbook with photos, resources, recipes, and thoughts to inspire as you work through the class.
Bonus No. 2:
Three Creative Sessions with Renee (REPLAY IN CLASSROOM)
We will get together to discuss the class, supplies, lessons, and time for you to ask questions about the course. If you are unable to make the live session, I will save the replay in the classroom.
Art Supplies
MY THOUGHTS ON ART SUPPLIES
It is easy to get swept away with art supplies, especially when you begin a new class. You don't need everything on the list! I suggest that you substitute with what you have on hand. I've made my best discoveries through substitution. I always recommend watching the video first; if there is something new, decide if you want to try it.I have put an asterisk next to my favorites and items you might enjoy using in the class.
Please feel free to substitute any color, brand, or supply for something you already have.
SUPPLIES
Substrates: In the class there are a variety of examples to create a background or backdrop. You do not need to purchase everyone.
Unprimed Canvas, Primed Canvas, Stretched Canvas.
*Arches Oil Paper (9x12) Note: In addition to oil paint, this paper is wonderful for all mediums, my favorite paper!
OPTIONAL - If you want something very special try Raymar Archival Art Panels
*Drawing or Sketch Pad - anything you have on hand will work
Paints: Oils
Colors I use: Alizarin Crimson, Caput Mortum (very little) Burnt Sienna,
Charvin Colors: *Aubere Pink, Linen Gray, *Ash Green,
Yellow Ocher, Raw Sienna,
Courbet Green (Williamsburg)
Olive Green
Green Gold
Payne's Gray
Titanium White, Titan Buff, Transparent White & Ivory Black
Burnt Umber
Acrylic Paint Colors
Titanium White, Titan Buff, Transparent, or Zinc White, Black
Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, Green Gold, Olive Green. Payne’s Gray
CHARVIN Colors I like: Yellow Ocher, Tanned, Caribbean Pink
Non-Toxic Pigment Resources: I primarily use Rosso & Burnt Sienna In the course. This section is optional, but if you're interested in mixing your own paints, start with one or two pigments.
Color Rare - I use the Rosso
Solvents: Chelsea Classical Studio Starter Set
Paint Bucket - you can substitute for a glass jar
IF YOU ARE WORKING IN ACRYLICS - A LIST OF SUGGESTED ITEMS
Mediums:
Matte Medium - Optional - if you're using acrylic paint
Clear & White Gesso - Optional - if you're using acrylic paint.
Golden's Gloss Glazing Medium- If you choose to work in acrylics, this will help give the look of oils, and make beautiful glazes.
Acrylic paints in brand and colors of your choice.
TOOLS & BRUSHES
Princeton Select 1" Flat - GREAT brush for expressive florals
Assorted Flat brushes -
Palette Paper or glass palette
If you're new to charcoal, I like the following brands:
Charcoal
General's Charcoal Pencils - Starter Kit
Nitram Charcoal Batons - soft round sticks
Interior Latex Paint - sample sizes - optional
Flowers:
Depending on the Season, you can find beautiful flowers at the grocery store, Farmer's Market, Flower Shop, and even in your garden. Embrace the seasons, and use what is available for inspiration.
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some or all of the links in this supply list are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission and we are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.