The Luminous Flower
In this workshop, we will create a luminous flower painting using a clear, systematic approach. Students may work from life or from a photograph. Beginners can transfer their image using a grid, while more experienced students may choose to draw freehand or work directly from life. We will move step by step through the painting process: establishing an accurate drawing, creating a simple underpainting, organizing the values, mixing harmonious color, and observing subtle shifts in light and temperature. We will then refine the painting through carefully chosen details, edges, and atmospheric effects. By the end of the workshop, you will have completed a beautiful, luminous flower painting—and gained a practical process you can use for future paintings.
Required Supplies
Palette: Use a gray palette. You can make a gray palette by painting the back of a piece of plexiglass with gray acrylic or buy one from your local art store.
Soho Gray Palette (budget): https://amzn.to/3CuLNSj
New Wave Gray Glass Palette (fancy): https://amzn.to/3Cu3UrB
Brushes: Any professional brushes in the following sizes are fine.
Hog Hair or Natural Bristle (Flat and/or Filbert): #4 (2), #6 (2), #8 (1)
Kolinsky Sable or synthetic (pointed): #4 (1)
I use Rosemary and Co. Brushes. Here is a link to my basic set: https://www.rosemaryandco.com?u=dominiquemedici
Dominique will have a selection of Rosemary brushes for purchase
Paints: Recommended Primary Set. No student grade, 40ml tube or larger.
Titanium White: https://amzn.to/3AtU6x5
Cadmium Yellow Light: https://amzn.to/2XAxZXr
Cadmium Red Light: https://amzn.to/3nOPqyv
Quinacridone Red: https://amzn.to/3zthNUS
Ultramarine Blue: https://amzn.to/3zovmVH
Cobalt Teal: https://amzn.to/3CyPdDs
Ivory Black: https://amzn.to/3AvIdqG
Optional Colors: Feel free to bring any colors you would like to use.
Painting Surface: Use your preferred surface and prime with a neutral gray gesso unless otherwise instructed.
Masonite (hardboard), Canvas, Linen Panels, Stretched Canvas or Linen
Size: Medici may recommend a specific sized canvas or panel.
General sizes used are: 8” x 10”, 9” x 11”, 11” x 14"(Dominiques go to size), or 12”x16”
Quantity: Have 1 or 2 canvases ready for each class.
Canvas Panels available for purchase each class $5
Mediums: Any professional linseed oil is fine; my preferred is Gamblin.
Gamblin - Refined Linseed Oil 8 fl oz: https://amzn.to/3EyqktF
Brush Cleaner: Any professional OMS is good; my preferred is Gamblin.
Gamblin - Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits 16 fl oz: https://amzn.to/39l9eB1
Additional Materials:
Roll of Artist's tape or painter's Blue Tape: https://amzn.to/3AnrSnI
Binder clips and/or easel clips: 2
Two clip-on metal cups for Mineral Spirits/Gamsol and Linseed Oil: https://amzn.to/3EDl1Ji
Rags or Paper Towels: https://amzn.to/3hO1kF6
Sketchbook and Pencil (for notes and sketching)
Optional (not necessary but nice):
Additional LED Clip on Still life/Easel Light: https://amzn.to/3VpCn6U
3D Color wheel: https://amzn.to/45odzzl
Mahl stick/Backscratcher (perfect for steadying your hands while painting): https://amzn.to/30H2PPD
*Above are affiliate links; they don’t cost you any extra or raise the price, but I make a small commission when you use these links. Thank you!
Value Scale: (print out and paint one yourself)
Dominique Medici
Dominique Medici is a figurative oil painter based in Seattle. She studied in London and has exhibited both nationally and internationally. Medici has received awards...