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

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!

1. Introduction (2 min.)

In this chapter, Lyn gives an overview of what you'll learn in the video. She covers how to create the stunning contrast of light against dark, making your paintings glow with life. You'll discover how to interpret your subject in terms of value to achieve dimensionality, explore the vibrant world of color, and master the individual characteristics of flowers. The focus will be on Line/Drawing, Value, Color, and Edges, providing a comprehensive foundation for painting lifelike flowers.

2. Materials & Preparation (10 min.)

Lyn introduces the materials needed and emphasizes how using pastels can improve your drawing skills. She demonstrates how to hold and use pastels, likening it to sculpting. You'll learn about selecting colors and values, preparing your subject, and using a grid system to transfer your photo reference to the painting surface. Lyn shares tips on finding stunning floral reference photos and adding effects like water droplets to enhance your work.

3. Underpaint the Background (25 min.)

Lyn explains the benefits of underpainting dark areas to create a solid base for your artwork. This technique prevents light paper from showing through and helps avoid muddy colors. You’ll learn Lyn’s “Simple Color Theory” to make beautiful colors every time. By underpainting, you'll provide a strong foundation for your flowers, allowing the light paper to shine through and enhance the luminosity of your artwork.

4. Develop the Background (53 min.)

In this chapter, Lyn teaches how to develop a supportive background for your flowers, focusing on line, value, color, and edge relationships. You'll learn various application techniques to achieve different marks with pastels and how to glaze one color over another. Lyn emphasizes the importance of letting the background remain in the background, allowing your flowers to be the stars. This chapter equips you with problem-solving tips using Line, Value, Color, and Edge.

5. The Brightest Flowers (89 min.)

Lyn guides you through painting the flowers, starting from the back and working forward to establish their glow. You'll learn to capture the translucency of delicate petals, create form, and use glazing techniques. Lyn shows when to blend and how to use different types of pastels for various effects. You'll discover how to avoid flat shapes, create interesting negative space, and understand the difference between brights and lights to enhance your painting's depth.

6. The Buds (146 min.)

This chapter focuses on painting closed buds in vibrant pinks and reds, capturing intricate textures with careful observation. You'll learn to paint slightly opened buds, revealing the flower's "eye" and its glow. Lyn covers glazing techniques, pastel application methods, and how to get the form right before adding light and dark accents. This chapter enhances your ability to create realistic, detailed floral buds.

7. Set Up the Show Stopper (67 min.)

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!