{"product_id":"botanical-silk-painting-with-charlotte-gaunt","title":"Botanical Silk Painting with Charlotte Krone","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"ewa-rteLine\"\u003eImmerse yourself in the traditional art of silk painting, reimagined through contemporary gestural mark-making in this six-session, couture-focused workshop. Combining painterly techniques with specialist surface embellishment, you will create a vibrant floral composition inspired by the colours and forms of summer blooms.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ewa-rteLine\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ewa-rteLine\"\u003eGuided step by step, you will begin by creating a fluid, Rococo-inspired painted background before developing delicate floral outlines using traditional Chinese paintbrushes. Once the composition is established, you will explore each flower in detail, considering colour, form and three-dimensional qualities.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ewa-rteLine\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ewa-rteLine\"\u003eThroughout the course, you will learn to manipulate gouache using a range of painterly techniques, including transparent washes, wet-on-wet application, dry brush and tonal layering. You will work with your own gouache paints, learning how to combine them with a specialist medium to create fluid, expressive marks suitable for painting on silk.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ewa-rteLine\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ewa-rteLine\"\u003eTo further enrich the surface, you will be introduced to couture techniques including flocking and foiling, adding tactile relief and shimmering highlights to your design. You will also explore an innovative method for creating bespoke flock colours, carefully matched to the palette of your painting, allowing each piece to develop its own unique and personal finish.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ewa-rteLine\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ewa-rteLine\"\u003eBy the end of the course, you will have created a vibrant painted bouquet filled with colour, depth and texture, while gaining confidence in a range of traditional and contemporary surface design techniques.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ewa-rteLine\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ewa-rteLine\"\u003eThis course is suitable for all levels of experience and combines structured demonstrations with individual guidance. Techniques introduced during each session can be developed between classes, with the finished piece providing an ideal foundation for future exploration through hand embroidery, appliqué and couture embellishment.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ewa-rteLine\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ewa-rteLine\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ewa-rteLine\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat you will learn\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ewa-rteLine\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ewa-rteLine\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\" data-turn-id-container=\"request-6aba6f58-80c0-83ed-82bf-137b500bcaf5-16\" data-is-intersecting=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-6aba6f58-80c0-83ed-82bf-137b500bcaf5-16\" data-turn-id-container=\"request-6aba6f58-80c0-83ed-82bf-137b500bcaf5-16\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-34\" data-turn=\"assistant\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-8 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-conversation-screenshot-content=\"\" class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;div:has([data-free-thinking-preview-answer=true])+:is(.text-message,.relative:has(\u0026gt;.text-message))]:-mt-2 grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"3ab5a075-8ea0-4f17-a6dd-029d94e8804e\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-6\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"LR5Y_W_content markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"2136\" data-is-only-node=\"\" data-is-last-node=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"hjpa0m\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"186\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2\" data-end=\"28\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eBackground development\u003c\/strong\u003e – Create complementary backgrounds that enhance the composition, establish atmosphere and support the focal subject without overwhelming the botanical study.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1i13jzq\" data-start=\"188\" data-end=\"429\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"190\" data-end=\"212\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eWatercolour washes\u003c\/strong\u003e – Learn to apply diluted silk paints in transparent layers to achieve luminous colour while preserving the natural lustre of the silk. Explore controlled washes, glazing techniques and the gradual building of colour.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"19nq1t8\" data-start=\"431\" data-end=\"608\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"433\" data-end=\"465\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eFine line work and outlining\u003c\/strong\u003e – Develop precision with controlled brushwork to produce delicate outlines, refine edges and define botanical forms with clarity and accuracy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1myorn2\" data-start=\"610\" data-end=\"844\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"612\" data-end=\"635\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eWet-on-wet painting\u003c\/strong\u003e – Apply colour to damp silk to create soft transitions and controlled diffusion. This technique allows colours to blend naturally and is particularly effective for petals, foliage and atmospheric backgrounds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1837mci\" data-start=\"846\" data-end=\"1043\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"848\" data-end=\"872\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eDry brush techniques\u003c\/strong\u003e – Use a minimally loaded brush to create fine texture, directional marks and subtle tonal changes, ideal for adding veins, surface texture and delicate botanical details.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"wrye05\" data-start=\"1045\" data-end=\"1234\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1047\" data-end=\"1079\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eTonal layering and modelling\u003c\/strong\u003e – Build depth and three-dimensional form through successive transparent layers of colour, using light and shadow to create realistic volume and structure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"wt3mg\" data-start=\"1236\" data-end=\"1473\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1238\" data-end=\"1269\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eColour theory, tone and hue\u003c\/strong\u003e – Explore colour relationships, temperature, value and saturation to create harmony, contrast and balance. Develop your colour mixing skills while considering the colours found within botanical subjects.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"rqrhw8\" data-start=\"1475\" data-end=\"1646\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1477\" data-end=\"1503\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eExpressive mark making\u003c\/strong\u003e – Experiment with different brush marks to introduce movement, energy and character while balancing expressive painting with botanical detail.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"t6op4y\" data-start=\"1648\" data-end=\"1790\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1650\" data-end=\"1662\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eFlocking\u003c\/strong\u003e – Apply coloured textile fibres to selected areas of the silk to introduce soft, velvety texture and additional surface detail.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"d3uhsv\" data-start=\"1792\" data-end=\"1924\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1794\" data-end=\"1805\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eFoiling\u003c\/strong\u003e – Incorporate metallic foil to create reflective highlights, contrast and decorative detail within the finished piece.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"6762qw\" data-start=\"1926\" data-end=\"2136\" data-is-last-node=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1928\" data-end=\"1971\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003ePainting and dyeing custom flock fibres\u003c\/strong\u003e – Learn how to hand-paint and dye flock fibres before application, allowing you to create bespoke colours and surface effects that complement your botanical design.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDesign Inspiration\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis course takes inspiration from a remarkable Dolce \u0026amp; Gabbana couture gown held within the V\u0026amp;A’s collection, where richly layered surfaces, botanical motifs and innovative approaches to embellishment create a striking dialogue between fashion, art and textile tradition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe gown’s decorative language provides the foundation for exploring the relationship between painted detail and three-dimensional surface texture. Its use of colour, form and botanical imagery demonstrates how a flat painted surface can be transformed to suggest depth, movement and tactility. Students will respond to these ideas through the development of their own botanical compositions on silk, combining traditional approaches with contemporary methods of expression.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe design also draws inspiration from historic decorative arts, particularly the use of appliqué, flocking and metallic embellishment. Flocking, a technique with origins in 17th-century interiors, was traditionally used to evoke the richness of cut velvet and can still be seen within the decorative schemes of historic houses. Reinterpreted within this course, it becomes a delicate and expressive way of introducing raised texture and sculptural detail.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe use of foiling further connects the designs to historical costume embellishment, where metallic surfaces were used to enhance embroidered garments and create visual impact. Examples within the V\u0026amp;A’s collections, including 18th-century men’s waistcoats, demonstrate the enduring appeal of combining embroidery with reflective and decorative surfaces.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThrough exploring these historical references alongside contemporary couture, students will develop designs that celebrate the dialogue between past and present, using botanical imagery, colour, texture and surface embellishment to create richly layered textile artworks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"RSN","offers":[{"title":"27th May - 1st July (Thursdays - Weekly) 1pm - 3:30pm","offer_id":63643075248458,"sku":"ONL27003","price":375.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1036\/4541\/3706\/files\/Botanical_Silk_Painting_with_Charlotte_Gaunt_1.jpg?v=1790172575","url":"https:\/\/rsn.org.uk\/products\/botanical-silk-painting-with-charlotte-gaunt","provider":"Royal School of Needlework","version":"1.0","type":"link"}