Lyn Diefenbach: Floral Secrets - A Step-by-Step Guide to Painting Luminous, Lifelike Flowers in Pastel (PRE-RELEASE)

For Pastel Artists Who Want to Master the Medium, Create a Lifelike Glow on Flowers, and Render Realistic Textures 

What if I told you that pastels can make your flowers glow much brighter and more vibrant than any other medium?

What if I told you there’s an approach to render textures with pastel that look so realistic you can almost feel them?

And what if I told you pastel painting can be easy and fun?

Well, all that can be possible with master pastelist Lyn Diefenbach’s “BUILDUP” approach.

So if you’ve ever struggled with which colors to choose, how to mix them…

And if you want to avoid creating art that’s flat and muddy… 

Then what you’re about to learn are the discoveries Lyn has made throughout her colorful journey.

You’ll learn her unique “BUILDUP” approach that’s been proven to help students create visually breathtaking art.

As you watch Lyn recreate her masterpiece All Aglow, you’ll see her expertly apply techniques and learn how she renders textures so well you can almost feel them…

…the softness of petals, the sponginess of cacti, and the sharpness of needles. 

How did she capture both the sunlight and the glow from within the flowers — a glow so inviting and warm that it seems like it could attract the bees?

How did she make the flowers so realistic you can almost smell them?

You don’t have to wonder any longer…

…because today, you’re going to learn to paint flowers so well you’ll make viewers go “WOW!” 

They’re going to wonder how you created that magical, almost heavenly, glow on your flowers… 

…how you rendered textures so well… 

…and how you crafted such a beautiful composition.

More importantly…

You’re going to learn how to create art that stirs the soul and the imagination.

But this isn’t just about painting flowers — it’s about turning you into an artist who creates stunning art that grabs attention and moves people emotionally!

Your Lesson Plan!

Introduction

Lyn Diefenbach introduces the essential concepts for painting lifelike flowers in pastel. You’ll learn how to create paintings that glow, interpret your subject in terms of value to achieve dimensionality, explore the vibrancy of flowers’ colors, and master the individual characteristics of flowers, like stamen and petal textures. This chapter sets the foundation for understanding the key elements of line, drawing, value, color, and edges, enhancing your ability to paint flowers that practically leap off the canvas.

Materials

In this chapter, Lyn explains how using pastels can significantly improve your drawing skills. She demonstrates how to hold your pastels, preparing you to handle pastels in a way that enhances the form and depth of your subjects (she takes a sculptural approach to using pastels). You’ll learn to set up your palette effectively, ensuring you have the necessary colors and tools at hand to start your floral pastel painting.

The Subject & Drawing

Lyn reviews her chosen subject for the demonstration, offering tips on selecting the best floral reference photos and adjusting elements like light, shadow, and water droplets for enhanced effect. You’ll learn how to use a grid system with color-coded pastel pencils to transfer your photo to the pastel surface accurately. This chapter improves your ability to plan and execute your floral compositions with precision and creativity.

Underpaint the Background

Lyn discusses the advantages of underpainting, particularly for creating a dark background that sets off the lighter colors of the flowers. She teaches how to apply a liquefied pastel layer that provides a solid base for further work, emphasizing techniques to avoid creating muddy colors and introducing basic color theory for beautiful results. You’ll gain the ability to establish a harmonious background that enhances the luminosity and vibrancy of the flowers.

Develop the Background

This chapter guides you through developing the background that supports your floral subjects, starting from the top of your composition. Lyn covers various pastel application techniques to achieve different effects and teaches how to glaze colors effectively. You’ll learn to manage the visual hierarchy in your painting, ensuring the flowers remain the focal point. This knowledge will help you create backgrounds that complement but do not overwhelm the main subjects.

Begin the Flowers

Lyn begins painting the flowers, starting with those in the back to establish depth and working toward the lighter, more detailed areas. You’ll learn how to “set the stage” to prepare for successive layers of color. She explains how to capture the translucency of petals, how to turn the form of the flowers, and when blending is most effective. This chapter will expand your skills in creating form, depth, and realism in your floral paintings, using glazing techniques and understanding the interplay of light and color to make your flowers pop.

And More!

Meet Your New Instructor, Lyn Diefenbach!

This is your chance to learn from a master pastellist!

With a vibrant career that spans over three decades, Lyn Diefenbach has etched her name in the art world as a master of pastel and oil painting. Her journey is marked by sold-out solo exhibitions and prestigious features in international and national showcases. 

Lyn’s global acclaim is highlighted by her invitation to demonstrate at the “100 Years of Pastel” event in China, a rare honor extended to only six international artists.

Lyn’s canvas is a playground of diverse subjects — from captivating portraits and serene seascapes to dynamic still lifes and florals. Each piece is a testament to her dedication to mastery, technique, and the celebration of life, and she consistently earns accolades and awards worldwide.

Her exceptional skill set and reputation have made her a popular judge for prestigious competitions, including the floral and still life segment of The Pastel Journal’s 2022 Pastel 100 competition. Lyn’s commitment to artistic excellence is not just seen but felt, through works that mirror her faith and the beauty of existence.

As a tutor, Lyn stands unparalleled. Her clarity in communication and insightful teachings have made her a sought-after educator, with students spanning the globe. 

“In understanding there is great liberation.” — Lyn Diefenbach

As an Eminent Pastelist with the International Association of Pastel Societies, Master Pastelist with the Pastel Society of Australia, and a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America, Lyn’s accolades are as inspiring as her art. 

For artists eager to delve into the nuances of pastel, learn from Lyn Diefenbach — an artist who paints not just what she sees, but what she feels!