Painting Flowers in Detail in Oils | Jennifer Allnutt

Exclusive to Bienarté, this 2-day intensive workshop is for those who want to learn to paint flowers like the Dutch masters, learn how to get fine detail and realism in oil paint.  

What will I learn?

The workshop will incorporate learning about the significance of flowers in art history, colour palettes and mixing, tonal realism and oil painting techniques. Over two days there will be demonstrations, discussions and 1 and a half days of painting.

Jenny will teach how to paint flowers in a pseudo-traditional technique that she has developed from her own artistic practice spanning a decade. Working from reference imagery (provided) you will be guided through creating form, mixing colours and building detail.

This will be a fun and intensive workshop with an emphasis on the process and building an understanding of painting delicate forms and how this can inform a broader artistic practice.

Day 1:

• Flowers in Art History and the symbolism of flowers
• Transfer image on to surface
• Demonstration
• Block in dark shapes
• Supervised painting
• Build up darks and lights
• Refine mid-tones

Day 2:

• Refinement using small brushes
• Demonstration
• Continuing the painting
• 1-2-1 help where needed
• Review of the weekend's paintings
• Group celebration

Who is this course suitable for?

This workshop is suitable for people with some experience with oil paints however it will cater to early learners through to advanced.

What do I need to bring?

Brushes:
A range of sizes from small to large (5/0-8). At least 5 in different sizes and small for fine details. For the smaller brushes - rounds, and larger brushes - filberts or square, whatever you feel most comfortable with.

 
Jennifer uses:  
o   Masters Point by Neef 2018 (2/0,3/0)
o   Neef 992 Taklon mini liner or script (5/0)
o   6 MontMarte round
o   Neef 970 Taklon round (4,8)
o   Jasart Short Flat (3/16)

Oil Colours:
Jenny uses Michael Harding, Langridge, Gamblin, Windsor and Newton but any professional oil colour brand is fine. Brands mentioned in brackets are a guide, check the pigment number on the front or back of the paint tubes. (In bold are the most important colours).

Titanium White (PW6) 
Mars Black (PBk11) or Ivory Black (PBk9) if you prefer (optional Background colour)
Tinting White (Langridge) or Flake White Replacement (Gamblin) (Both Series 1)

Reds:
Permanent Rose (PV19) (series 2 - Windsor and Newton)
Quinacridone Magenta (PR122) (series 2 – Windsor and Newton)  
Permanent Alizarin Crimson (PR177) (series 4 -Windsor and Newton) (Alizarin Claret/ Michael Harding is slightly cheaper)

Yellows/browns:
Yellow Ochre (PY43) (series1 – Windsor and Newton)  
Arylide Yellow (PY74) (series 2 – Langridge) (*any bright yellow will suffice; this is an alternative to cadmium yellow)  
Transparent Oxide Red (PR101) (series 2 – Michael Harding)

Greens:
Permanent Sap Green (PG7, PBr 6) (series 2 – Michael Harding)
Phthalo Green (PG7) (series 2 – Gamblin)

Blues:
Ultramarine Blue (PB29) (series2 – Langridge)
Prussian Blue (PB27) (Series 1 – Michael Harding)

Optional Colours:
These are colours that are premixed tints or expensive pigments that are collectible for pigment obsessed artists however they aren’t essential for this workshop! We will mix similar colours from the above list.

Cadmium Green
Quinacridone Purple
Cobalt Violet Dark
Permanent Mauve
Radiant series by Gamblin: Turquoise, blue, red
Michael Harding pre mixed tints: Lavender, Vivid Blue, Wisteria

Surfaces:
You can choose any surface to paint on, from canvas, linen etc. however Jenny prefers and recommends wood panel or aluminium composite panel due to the smooth surface. Small to medium size 8x10” - 11x14” (20x25cm to 28x36cm)

You can pre-purchase canvases from Bienarté or from most good art supply stores.

Pre-prepared aluminium surfaces will be available to buy on the day

Max size: 11x14” (28x36cm)

Other:
Visual Diary
Willow Charcoal
A mix of pencils, including 2B
Kneadable eraser
Fast Drying Medium ('Liquin' by Winsor & Newton, or 'Odourless Lean' by Archival)
Jars
Pen/ Marker
Mixing Palette - medium/large, glass or disposable tear-away
Document box to store palette/ papers
Palette knife/ Paint scraper
Odourless Solvent in a container/jar that can be sealed when not in use
Container or brush tray with linseed oil for brushes
Roll of paper towel/ paint rags
Brush Soap (The Master Brush Cleaner & Preserver)
Smart phone/ Tablet  

What is provided?

• Reference Photos
• Easels, tables and chairs.
• Tea and coffee (you might like to bring your own cup)
• A friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
• Connection to the Bienarté art community

Useful Information

For Visitors FAQs

About The Tutor

Jennifer is a contemporary figurative artist working primarily with oil paints on canvas and cradled wood panel. She graduated from the University of South Australia with a Bachelor of Visual Arts (First Class Honours) in 2011 and a Masters of Teaching in 2016.

In her oil paintings, Jennifer constructs images which straddle the line between realism and illusionism. Her work often tells a story or weaves an ambiguous narrative. This is found by the subtle hints in symbolic objects, clothing, facial expressions or even a small gesture.

Jennifer’s work has been exhibited in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Queensland and the United States.