ÁINE DIVINE | FLOWERS IN MIXED MEDIA
online tutorial Summary
Join artist Áine Divine for an inspiring course on expressive mixed media. This course is a liberating journey into capturing the vibrant energy of a floral arrangement, moving beyond botanical accuracy to convey feeling and movement.
Áine will guide you in building a painting with bold, intuitive marks. She begins by establishing a foundation with large brushes, quickly blocking in backgrounds and key shapes. Áine’s core philosophy is to maintain a sense of play, encouraging artists to work with vigour and embrace happy accidents. She demonstrates a "push and pull" method, building up layers of paint and then excavating them to reclaim light, keeping the entire surface alive and evolving.
Students will learn to cohesively use a rich toolkit to create depth and texture. The focus is on working decisively, mixing colours by eye, and using tools like stencils to add interest without losing spontaneity.
Perfect for those looking to loosen their style, this course is an invitation to experiment boldly, build confidence, and experience the pure joy of painting with freedom.
Course Preview
Course FAQ
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A Bold and Energetic Start: How to begin your painting with confidence and freedom, focusing on the big shapes and movement instead of getting stuck on small details.
Simple Colour Mixing: Easy techniques for mixing the colours you see, including how to soften bright colours to create beautiful, natural-looking tones.
Fun with Paint & Texture: How to use the unique properties of acrylic paint to create interesting effects, from dry-brush marks to lifting wet paint to bring back highlights.
Embracing Happy Accidents: Learn to use drips and runs to your advantage, making them a creative part of your artwork.
Easy Mixed-Media Techniques: Simple ways to combine different materials like stencils, collage, oil pastels, and inks for depth and detail.
Designing Your Painting: How to arrange elements to create a balanced composition, moving things around to make a better painting.
The Layering Process: A simple "add and subtract" method of building your painting by laying down colours and refining shapes.
Defining Flowers with Simple Shapes: Learn to see and paint the dark spaces between petals and leaves to make your flowers pop.
Creating Form with Light and Shadow: Mix simple grey and muted tones to show which petals are in shadow, giving your flowers a realistic feel.
Using "Character Marks": Learn easy tricks and signature marks that instantly make a flower look like a gerbera, daisy, or lily.
Making Final Decisions: How to assess your painting and make decisive moves to bring it to a satisfying finish.
Knowing When to Stop: How to find a "resolution" rather than perfection, leaving the painting feeling lively and complete.
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Paints, Inks & Pastels
Acrylic Paints:
Cadmium Yellow
Yellow Ochre
Cadmium Orange
Cadmium Red
Magenta
Titanium White (Fluid Acrylic is also used)
Ultramarine Blue
Hooker's Green
Sap Green
Van Dyke Brown
High-Flow Acrylic Inks:
Fluorescent Red
Fluorescent Orange
Phthalo Turquoise
Oil Pastels: Sennelier brand (recommended for good coverage), including White, Orange, Red, Crimson, Yellow, and a dark Indigo/Black.
Indian Ink: In a small pot for drawing.
Brushes & Tools
Brushes (Royal & Langnickel "Burgundy" set recommended):
Wide, flat brushes (2-inch and 1-inch, including a slanted one)
Smaller round and flat brushes for detail
A 3-inch brush for covering large areas
Palette: Tear-off palette sheets.
Stencils: A variety of foliage and pattern stencils.
Adhesives: Pritt Stick (glue stick) and PVA (Wood) Glue.
Drawing Tool: A sharpened stick or the applicator from an old ink bottle for drawing with Indian ink.
Surfaces & Supports
Paper: Shirt Card (cardstock with a shiny side and a matte side; the shiny side is used for its manipulability).
Easel: An adjustable, upright easel.
Collage Materials
Papers: Torn pieces from old paintings, wrapping paper, patterned tissue paper (e.g., eucalyptus pattern), and pre-painted papers.
Card: For dipping into paint to create specific marks.
Additional Materials
Masking Tape
Water Container
Kitchen Paper / Paper Towels (white, to see colours clearly)
Spray Bottle (for water)
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Suitable for all levels - good understanding of the basic use of watercolour would be an advantage.
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The course is composed of three videos, a combined total of 98 mins. Enjoy the benefit of being able to watch and follow along at your leisure for the duration of your access.
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What’s included in my purchase?
You’ll get unlimited access to this individual course, including all videos and supporting materials, for the full 3-month period.How does the 3-month access work?
This is a one-time payment that gives you access to the course for three months. There’s no automatic renewal - your access simply ends after the 3-month period.How do I access my course?
Once you’ve purchased the course, simply log in to your account at schoolhouseforart.com. Click on Account at the top right-hand side of the page, and your course will be available there.Can I extend my access after 3 months?
Yes! If you’d like continued access, you can purchase the course again at any time.What happens after 3 months?
Once the 3-month period is over, your access will expire. You won’t be charged again unless you choose to make another purchase.What if I only need access for a few weeks?
That’s fine. You’ll have access for the full 3 months, so you can move through the material at your own pace.Are refunds available?
We don’t offer refunds, but you’ll have access to the course for the full 3-month period you’ve paid for.Does this purchase give me access to other courses?
This purchase covers one individual course for 3 months. Other courses are available separately.Are there any technical requirements?
All you need is a stable internet connection and a modern web browser to enjoy the course.Can I share my access?
Course access is for individual use only and can’t be shared.Need help or having technical issues?
We’re happy to help. Just reach out to us at info@schoolhouseforart.com