Watch this video first!
Take a look inside the class ...
Come join me in the studio, as I take you through every stage of painting a large-scale abstract painting.
This intimate insight into my abstract painting process is packed with tips, inspiration and support, to help you create a stunning piece of art.
With beautiful textures, and luscious layers, you'll learn how rewarding it can be to unleash your creativity on a canvas.
You'll get practical advice on how to deal with challenges, find your own inspiration, and finish a painting. Plus, there's a handy resource section with tips on choosing a canvas, setting up your space, selecting and storing paints, plus so much more!
Class Overview
In this class, you will learn:
- How to get over your fear of the blank canvas, stay loose, and avoid becoming too attached to the first layers.
- Tips for choosing supplies and setting up your space to paint big.
- Techniques for making your canvas surface more interesting and textured.
- How to bring in inspiration while still keeping your painting abstract.
- How to combine acrylic paint with charcoal, graphite, and paint pens.
- The importance of risk-taking and being willing to cover things up (even things you like) in order to make the painting better.
- How to use the whole canvas and encourage bigger marks and shapes.
- Tips for mixing your own colours, combining brighter colours with neutrals, and refining the colour palette.
- How to balance a painting and other finishing tips and tricks!
Kind Words About "Painting Big"
Painting Big, is my favorite Creative Blend module by far. And that is saying a lot because I have absolutely loved every single one. You addressed so much of what I struggle with in learning to paint abstractly. It was beyond helpful for me.
Thank you so much for sharing your excellent instruction and your beautiful spirit.
Amy Siniscalchi
Fully embrace the freedom of a blank canvas!
What is the Creative Blend Art Program?
This class is part of the Creative Blend Art Program. The CB Program is designed to help you establish a consistent art practice while digging in deep with what lights you up and makes your work unique.
The program is running from April 2022 through until March 2023.
A new class is released each month exploring a theme. From developing your style to building confidence with colour, rest assured, this is a jam-packed program!
Each class includes a rich combination of; painting videos, Q&As, art supply deep dives, guest artist interviews and so much more. All in a cosy, relatable and easy-to-digest format. You also get LIFETIME ACCESS!
Let's take a closer look at ...
Painting Big
Art Supply Videos
Get access to a resource library with all my best tips for choosing supplies and setting up your space to paint a big canvas.
You'll learn about what to look for in a canvas, how to arrange your working area, tips for selecting brushes and paints, plus everything else in between!
Painting Videos
In the main painting project, you'll see this painting go from messy marks to a finished piece. As I work, I walk you through the process, explaining my inspiration, decision-making, and problem-solving.
You'll learn how to approach a blank canvas without fear, building up layers of rich color and yummy details.
You'll also get 7 practical tips to help with the tricky part of knowing when a painting is done.
Studio Vlog
This month's vlog is an an updated home studio tour. You'll see where I paint smaller pieces and work in my sketchbooks. Much of this work informs my larger paintings.
I decided to share this video with you as the beginning of the year is a great time to get organised and refresh your creative space and supplies. It's amazing how a few changes can get you inspired and re-invigorated to make art.
Grab your seat today, and elevate your life and art practice
The course is priced in USD. If you use another currency, the USD amount will be converted at the checkout by Stripe (if you are using a credit card) or by Paypal. You can get an approximation by checking the conversion rate using xe.com.
Refund Policy: Because you're giving immediate access to the class, I am unable to offer a refund. I encourage you to contact me with any questions prior to purchasing. There is a contact form in the footer of this page.
Love from past students……
Bree Edge
I don't think it is too bold of me to say that my art improved immediately. I now have people regularly asking to purchase my work, which is incredibly rewarding. These classes have helped to feed my creativity immeasurably, and I am forever hanging out for the next one!
Xueling Lee
Laura presents incredibly useful tips in a structured way, while still providing space and encouragement for students to pursue their own creative instincts. I used to think abstracts were beyond me, and thanks to Laura, I now only paint abstracts! I’ve watched all her classes literally countless times, and yet each time, I still find something new.
Gunjan Bhargava
Laura Horn is a brilliant teacher. I have taken all of her classes. They are like meditation to me and have given me skills in mixed media, abstracts, botanicals and so much more. I am waiting eagerly for her new course to begin.
I've had the joy and privilege of teaching over 25,000 students across the globe through my online classes.
Meet Laura, your teacher
Hello, I'm Laura
I'm a mixed media artist from Adelaide, South Australia. Ten years ago, I picked up a paintbrush. I had two young children, and like many mothers, I felt a little lost among all the nappies.
As soon as I reconnected with my creativity, I felt a spark. I quickly fell in love with all things art. The yummy supplies, the supportive community, and the sense of purpose and satisfaction that came from doing something I truly loved.
I followed my passion and built a beautiful, messy life around it. Things rarely went to plan, but I amazed myself with the things that I could do. From selling my work at markets and cafes to running a retreat in Bali, right through to hosting a top-rated art podcast.
Tapping into my creativity gave me clarity and confidence, and it can do this for you too.
A Quick Word About Supplies
The techniques shared in this class can be adapted to suit a wide range of materials. While I do take you through every step of the canvas, this is not a "paint by numbers" approach. I encourage you to lean into your intuition and make creative choices that reflect your preferences around colour, shape, mark-making, line, texture, and all the elements of art.
What you WILL get is plenty of ideas, tips and guidance to help you work throught the steps of starting, developing, and finishing a large-scale abstract.
Click the button below to download the Supply List.
Many of my students enjoy watching the class first before making their supply choices. You may find you already have suitable supplies for the class.
Class Curriculum
Frequently Asked Questions...
Do I have to buy all the Creative Blend classes?
No, each class can be enjoyed as a stand-alone class. I will be releasing a class on the first day of each month for a year, beginning April 1. Each class is $37. I will be leaving the classes up on my website as instant access classes for the duration of the program. You will be able to pick and choose classes based on your creative interests.
Do I have a limited amount of time to access this program?
The course comes with lifetime access. There is no time limit so you don't need to worry about missing out. You can log into the Teachable classroom at any time to view the videos or you can download the content onto your device.
What is included and how long are the videos?
See section above to view the curriculum and video duration for this specific class.
What level is the course suitable for?
This course is suitable for anyone that has an interest in mixed media painting. The program caters for complete beginners through to more experienced artists. If you are a beginner the Art Supply Deep Dive is going to be very helpful. If you are more experienced, you might be familiar with the supplies but there will be plenty of fresh perspectives shared through the Cosy Studio Chat/Q&A, Studio Vlog and Painting Sessions.
Do I need to have all the art supplies? I'm just getting started and have a limited budget.
The Creative Blend Art Program is very flexible. You can substitute supplies for almost all of the lessons and I am happy to suggest alternative options.
For this class I have created a Supply List. Think of this as a flexible guide.
My suggestion would be to watch the module first and then decide on your supply choices.
Will there be an online community for this course?
Yes, you will be invited to join the private Creative Blend Art Program Facebook Group. The Facebook Group is optional as all course content will be posted in Teachable, but if you want to share your work and ask questions, Facebook will be the main platform for participant interaction.