What to Expect 

Thank you for choosing to spend your day creating with me. I'm truly grateful for your support, and I can't wait to meet each of you in person at Laguna Art-A-Fair!

Whether you're picking up a paintbrush for the very first time or already have painting experience, this workshop is designed to be relaxing, creative, and enjoyable.

During our approximately four-hour workshop, we'll move step by step from learning texture techniques to completing your own original textured butterfly painting.

My goal is for everyone to leave with a beautiful original butterfly painting, new techniques, and the confidence to continue exploring textured painting at home.

All painting materials are provided. Just bring yourself, wear comfortable clothing, and come ready to enjoy a creative day.

Before the Workshop

To make the most of our time together, I've already prepared each 12-inch round canvas with a sculpted butterfly using modeling paste.

Because modeling paste requires about 24 hours to dry completely, I prepare each textured canvas in advance. This allows us to focus on painting techniques, color, and creative expression instead of waiting for the texture to dry.

Every participant will begin with the same sculpted butterfly design, but you'll have complete freedom to choose your own colors, shading, and finishing details. It's always amazing to see how the same textured canvas transforms into completely different works of art.

How the Textured Canvas Is Made

Every workshop canvas is prepared by hand before class so we can spend our time painting instead of waiting for the texture to dry.

Here's a look at the process:

  • Sketching the butterfly onto the canvas.
  • Sealing the textured areas with PVA glue and allowing it to dry for about 30 minutes. This helps create a stronger surface for the modeling paste.
  • Applying the modeling paste using palette knives and brushes.
  • Allowing the texture to dry for approximately 24 hours.
  • Lightly sanding the surface where needed to smooth rough areas while preserving the sculpted details.
  • Preparing the finished textured canvas so it's ready for painting during the workshop.

During class, we'll focus on bringing the butterfly to life with color, texture, and your own creative style.




Materials We'll Be Using

Everything you need for the workshop will be provided, including:

  • 12-inch round pre-textured canvas
  • 6 × 8-inch canvas panel
  • Modeling paste
  • Sculpting paste
  • Palette knives
  • Acrylic paints
  • Brushes
  • Mixing palette
  • Water container
  • Paper towels
  • Optional metallic gold paint for finishing accents

Just bring yourself, wear comfortable clothing, and come ready to enjoy a fun and creative day of painting.

Here's How Our Day Will Unfold

The workshop begins at 10:15 AM, but Laguna Art-A-Fair opens at 10:00 AM.

If you'd like to purchase lunch from the Laguna Art-A-Fair Café, please arrive at 10:00 AM to submit your lunch order before class begins.

To save time, you're welcome to print and complete the food order form before arriving. This helps ensure your lunch will be ready during our scheduled break and allows us to begin the workshop on time.

Please remember to complete the "Time Needed" section on the order form.

You're also welcome to bring your own lunch.

(The café menu and food order form are attached to the workshop email and are also available below.)


10:15 AM – Texture Practice

We'll begin by learning how to create raised texture using modeling paste and piping bags on a small 6 × 8 practice canvas.

This practice session allows everyone to experiment with the material, build confidence, and become comfortable creating dimensional texture before starting the main painting.


Lunch Break

We'll take a 30-minute lunch break at 11:30 AM. If you're ordering lunch from the Laguna Art-A-Fair Café, please select 11:30 AM in the "Time Needed" section of your food order form.

If you've pre-ordered from the Laguna Art-A-Fair Café, your lunch will be ready at your selected pickup time.

Creating Your Butterfly

After lunch, we'll begin working on our 12-inch round pre-textured butterfly canvas.

Together we'll explore:

  • Painting textured butterfly wings
  • Color mixing and layering
  • Optional gold accents

Although we'll all begin with the same textured butterfly, every finished painting will be unique. I'll work individually with each participant throughout the workshop to help you create a butterfly that reflects your own style, color choices, and creativity.

Finishing Your Painting

Because of our workshop time limit, we won't apply a final varnish during class.

I also like giving paintings a little time to "rest." Once you're home, you may decide you'd like to make a few small adjustments before sealing your artwork permanently.

After your painting has dried completely, I recommend applying Gamblin Gamvar Gloss Varnish according to the manufacturer's instructions.

What You'll Take Home

By the end of our approximately four-hour workshop, you'll leave with:

  • Your own original 12-inch textured butterfly painting
  • A 6 × 8-inch textured practice piece
  • New skills in painting textured artwork
  • Confidence to continue exploring mixed media and texture
  • Inspiration to keep creating at home


Inspiration Gallery

Below are a two examples showing different ways a textured butterfly can be painted.

These examples are meant to inspire you, but I encourage everyone to explore their own colors, ideas, and personal style.

Every finished butterfly will be a unique reflection of its creator.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need painting experience?
Not at all! Beginners are very welcome.

Are all materials included?
Yes! Everything you'll need will be provided.

Will my painting be dry enough to take home?
Yes. Your painting will be dry enough to transport home carefully. I'll also share tips for letting it dry completely and varnishing it after it's fully cured.

Laguna Art-A-Fair Café Menu & Food Order Form

If you'd like to purchase lunch during the workshop, you can download and print the café menu and food order form below, then complete your order before arriving.

To help everything run smoothly, please:

  • Arrive at Laguna Art-A-Fair by 10:00 AM
  • Print and complete the food order form before arriving (recommended)
  • Fill in the "Time Needed" section with 11:30 AM
  • Submit your lunch order before the workshop begins at 10:15 AM

We'll take a 30-minute lunch break at 11:30 AM, so pre-ordering is the best way to ensure your meal is ready on time. You're also welcome to bring your own lunch if you prefer.

(The café menu and food order form are attached to the workshop email and are also available below for download.)



I Can't Wait to Paint With You!

Thank you again for joining me.

I'm looking forward to sharing this creative experience with you, answering your questions, and helping you create a textured butterfly painting you'll be proud to take home.

Every butterfly will be uniquely yours, and I can't wait to see all of your beautiful interpretations.

Want a sneak peek before the workshop? Here are two short behind-the-scenes videos from my studio that show some of the techniques we'll be using together:

🎥 Creating the Textured Butterfly (Part 1)

🎥 Painting the Textured Butterfly (Part 2)

Warmly,

Arina Luma