Watch this video first!
Take a look inside the class ...
Have you ever tried to learn about composition, only to give up because it is so hard?
Composition is impacted by everything you put into a painting - colour, shape, line, contrast ... everything. And there are so many rules! Trying to learn all the tips and tricks at once is just too much.
But what if you could strip it back and find a few ideas that work beautifully for you?
That's what this course is all about. Finding stronger composition in a way that brings you joy, whether that is intuitively or planned.
Class Overview
In this class, you will learn:
- How to create thumbnail sketches for abstract and floral paintings.
- Simple rules of composition that you can apply to improve your work.
- Intuitive approaches to finding compositions.
- Techniques for simplifying compositions.
- Examples of compositions used by well-known artists.
- How to use mark-making to your advantage.
- Answers and advice to help you with common composition challenges.
You will see me working on various paintings and using composition rules and techniques to make the paintings stronger.
As I work, I explain what I am doing and why it works or why it doesn't! This is a very active process of layering and learning.
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 ...
Stronger Compositions
Q & A Session
When is it important to have a focal area? What are the things in composition you should avoid? How do you KNOW when enough is enough?
There's a lot to wrap your head around when it comes to composition.
In this session, I will be answering your questions with simple, practical suggestions.
This is an informative session that will introduce you to composition rules while also giving you the confidence to break them!
Painting Videos
The key to composition is finding an approach that works best for you. Sometimes this can look like making thumbnail sketches and following basic composition rules, and sometimes this can look like turning the music up, throwing caution to the wind and trusting the process.
We will be exploring the different sides of this spectrum to help you tap into your own personal and joyful approach.
Studio Vlog
Choosing a subject and painting it multiple times from different angles will boost your composition skills.
In the vlog, you'll see me applying this idea to a vase of flowers. At the end of the video, I chat about which compositions I prefer and why.
You will also get a peek at my latest inspiration board, where I am fleshing out ideas for a new minimalist collection of paintings.
Art Supply Deep Dive
One of my favourite mediums for learning about composition is the humble pen! A big, chunky marker is great for making quick studies and moving ideas around.
Of course, there are many types of pens that you can use in mixed media, and in the deep dive I run through ALL my favourites.
You will learn about paint pens, gel pens, fine-liners, water-based markers, and alcohol-based markers.
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.
Class Curriculum
- Introduction to Stronger Compositions (6:20)
- Q&A: Navigating Composition Without Stress! (19:04)
- Art Supply Deep Dive: Pens & Markers (22:40)
- Abstract Thumbnail Sketches (14:46)
- VLOG: Painting Floral Studies (13:24)
- Accidental Watercolour Compositions (16:21)
- Making Your Paintings Better (15:55)
- Finishing With Mark-Making (20:59)
- Chill & Relaxed Spotify Playlist (BONUS)
A Quick Word About Supplies
The demonstrations for this class can be adapted to a variety of mediums.
Basic supplies you may want to start with include:
- Paper - for the main project I would suggest mixed media or watercolour paper with a minimum weight of about 200 gsm. For the creative exercises you can use any paper - e.g. copy, kraft, or basic drawing paper.
- Paint - watercolour, acrylic ink, or gouache will work well for this class. I am mostly using a neutral palette of black, grey, and bronze, but you can use brighter colours too.
- A variety of round and flat brushes suitable for watercolour/ink.
- A selection of pens such as paint pens, gel pens, fine-liners and water-based markers.
- Collage papers (optional extra). I use painted tissue paper sparingly in this class. It's not a requirement, but if you like collage, you may want to incorporate it into the exercises.
- Water container, paint palette, scissors, glue-stick, rags and/or paper towel.
Click the button below for more information about the art supplies that I regularly use. This might give you some ideas around specific products.
Many of my students enjoy watching the class first before making their supply choices. There's a good chance you already have the supplies for this class at home!
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.
With this in mind, there isn't a specific supply list. Instead, I have created a page on my website with all the supplies I routinely use.
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.
