Blossoming Connections: July 11–12, 2025 Peony Masterclass Recap
- Elena Valerie
- Jul 13
- 2 min read
What a joy it was to welcome a fresh group of floral enthusiasts for our second Peony Oil Painting Masterclass! Over two days, new connections were formed, technique was deepened, and a real sense of camaraderie blossomed alongside our flowers. Here’s a snapshot of what unfolded:
Gathering & Community Spirit
From the moment everyone arrived, it felt more like a creative reunion than a workshop. Participants introduced themselves over steaming cups of tea, swapping stories of favourite blooms and art challenges. By lunchtime on Day 1, strangers had already become cheerleaders—offering each other encouragement and sharing mixing tips.
“... I loved meeting so many like-minded painters,” said one student. “It made diving into the technical parts feel so much more fun.”
Exploring Pigment Selection
We kicked off with a deep dive into choosing pigments for every hue of the peony—from the palest blush to the richest magenta. Rather than prescribing colours, I demonstrated my approach to building “colour strings”—small swatches that map out the exact tonal value needed before a brush ever touches canvas. This palette-building exercise gave everyone confidence to mix any shade, even if their next project isn’t a pink flower.
Hands-On Theory in Action
After mixing and mapping values, we began our creative painting journey. Working on toned canvases, students applied their pigment strings directly, watching as petals sprang to life with harmonious depth. Instead of a lecture-style demo, I moved around the room—offering one-on-one guidance and celebrating each breakthrough:
Using the grayscale ruler to confirm tonal accuracy
Adjusting opacity for bright sunny stamens versus shadowed centres
Layering mediums (fast-dry undercoat + slow-dry glazing) for that luminous finish
Mastering Blending & Brushes
Day 2 honed in on blending technique. We explored a three-brush method using my favourite Magic Mop™ floral brushes by Rosemary & Co:
Stiff bristle for moving paint quickly
Mundy mop for soft transitions
Fine synthetic mop for feather-light final edges
Watching each painter experiment—switching brushes mid-stroke and smoothing edges—was a true highlight. The room filled with quiet concentration, punctuated by gasps of delight when a petal edge melted seamlessly into its neighbour.
The Water-Droplet Finale
As a special treat, I demonstrated how to “paint a drop” so convincing that more than one student reached out to touch the canvas. We broke down the highlights, mid-tones, and shadow shapes, then applied droplets onto living flowers—adding that final touch of realism.
Reflections & Next Steps
By the final moments, the studio buzzed with achievement:
Fresh friendships forged over palettes and aprons
Confident painters ready to tackle peonies at home
Deeper appreciation for colour value and brush selection
Thank you to everyone who joined—your dedication and warmth made this second masterclass a true delight. If you’re feeling inspired to continue your floral journey, Term 3 art classes are now open for booking. Let’s keep painting, learning, and growing together!
