What to Expect at My Textured Iris Painting Workshop

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 iris painting.

My goal is for everyone to leave with a beautiful original artwork, 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 16 × 20 canvas with a sculpted iris using modeling paste.

Because modeling paste takes about 24 hours to dry completely, I prepare each textured canvas in advance so we can spend our workshop painting, learning, and creating together instead of waiting for the texture to dry.

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 iris onto the canvas.
  • Sealing the textured areas with PVA glue and allowing it to dry for about 30minutes. This helps create a stronger surface for the modeling paste.
  • Applying the modeling paste using palette knives, brushes and piping bags to sculpt the iris.
  • 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 iris to life with color, texture, and your own creative style.



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 so you can submit your lunch order before class begins.

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

If you prefer, you're also welcome to bring your own lunch.

The café menu and food order form are attached below.


Workshop Schedule

10:15 AM – Texture Practice

We'll begin by learning how to work with modeling paste and pastry bags, using them to apply texture onto a 6 × 8 practice canvas.


This hands-on exercise will give everyone the opportunity to experiment with the material, learn how to pipe and shape textured petals, build confidence, and understand the basic techniques before moving on to our main 16 × 20 iris 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 ordered lunch from the Laguna Art-A-Fair Café before class, your meal should be ready during our break.

Painting Our Textured Iris

After lunch, we'll move on to our 16 × 20 pre-textured iris canvases.

I'll guide you step by step through painting techniques, color mixing, creating light and depth, and finishing details while encouraging you to make your painting uniquely your own.

Although we'll all begin with the same textured iris, every finished painting will be different. There is no right or wrong way to interpret your flower, and I'll be happy to work individually with each participant throughout the workshop.

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. It brings out the richness of the colors while protecting your finished artwork. Please be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding drying time before varnishing.

What You'll Take Home

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

  • Your own original 16 × 20 textured iris painting
  • A 6 × 8 textured practice piece
  • Experience working with modeling paste and textured surfaces
  • New painting techniques and creative confidence
  • Inspiration to continue creating at home

Inspiration Gallery

Below are a few examples showing different ways a textured iris can be painted.

These examples are meant to inspire you, but I encourage everyone to explore their own colors, ideas, and personal style. Every painting will be a unique reflection of its creator.

If you're not sure where to start, I recommend the light blue Gentle Iris version. It's one of my personal favorites, and its simple color palette makes it easier to complete during our workshop while still creating a beautiful, elegant finished painting.

Of course, if another color combination inspires you, I'll be happy to help you bring your own vision to life.







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 iris painting you'll be proud to take home. Every painting will be uniquely yours.

I can't wait to create with you and see all of your unique interpretations of the iris. Thank you for choosing to spend your day with me, and I'll see you soon at Laguna Art-A-Fair!

If you'd like a preview of the techniques we'll be exploring together, here are two short videos from my studio:

🎥 Creating the Textured Iris (Part 1)

🎥 Painting the Textured Iris (Part 2)


Warmly,
Arina Luma