Finally feel confident painting from photo references—without getting lost in the details.
A 90-minute workshop to help you choose the right reference, simplify what you see, and create florals that flow from photo to brush.
Start Painting Without a Formula →
No Formula Florals 3.0
You want to paint from a reference photo.
You want to paint from a reference photo.
One you took. One you love.
You want to look at that flower and know how to bring it to life on the page.
But instead…
You stare at the photo and feel overwhelmed.
You can’t “unsee” the details. You freeze unsure where to start or how to simplify what you see.
So you go back to painting from memory… or another tutorial… or the same flower you’ve painted a dozen times before.
The problem isn’t that references are too hard.
It’s that no one ever taught you how to choose the right ones.
Most artists use photos meant for realism:
- packed with tiny shadows, soft edges, and way too many layers.
It’s no wonder it feels impossible to simplify. Those images were never meant for loose florals.
But when you learn how to select a reference that actually works for you:
when you stop naming the flower and start looking for shapes and patterns.
Everything changes.
You stop trying to “get it right.”
You start seeing the structure behind the bloom.
After doing two 100-day projects where I painted from floral references, here’s what I wish someone had told me:
And suddenly, you feel in control. You can unsee the noise.
You can simplify and paint from what you see, not from what you remember.
That’s the shift that this workshop will give you.
Yes, I’m Ready to Paint from My Own Photos →
This could be you:
You flip through your own photos and spot the perfect bloom.
You don’t hesitate and know what to look for.
You see the angles, the gesture, the shape.
You sketch the flower loosely.
You paint it freely. You stop guessing and start translating.
That’s the moment your reference becomes your own.
Let’s Make My Inspiration Paintable →
Inside this workshop, you’ll learn:
How to select a reference photo that’s easy to simplify
What makes a flower photo good for loose floral painting
A breakdown of real examples (good vs not-so-good references)
How to translate what you see into fluid brushwork
How to let go of “copying” and use your photo as a guide, not a trap
Show Me How to See and Simplify →
This workshop for you if:
is
You want to paint from real flowers but get stuck the moment you try
You feel overwhelmed by the details in a reference photo
You freeze at the sketching stage and don’t know how to begin
You want to use your own photos as inspiration but don’t trust yourself to simplify them
What Get:
you
90-minute recorded workshop
Real reference photo breakdowns (with before/after sketches)
A 3-step method for choosing, seeing, and painting from reference
Lifetime access
No pressure to be perfect just tools to help you see like an artist
Get Instant Access for $37 →
By the end of this workshop, you’ll walk away with:
Clarity on what makes a reference photo work
A process to simplify without overthinking
The freedom to paint from your own inspiration
A looser, more intuitive approach to floral painting — straight from what you see
Yes, I’m Ready to Paint Freely From My Photos →
Imagine wins like these
- Charlotte
"It was so fun!!! I love learning so much from you! Great class! The breakdown of the drawing aspects was so practical and helpful... I can't wait to practice the shapes and perspectives -- I also love hearing how to handle folds, reviewing all the terms. I understood the process. Thank you!!!"
- Melissa Deakin
“Jillian is an incredible teacher. She is kind and humble and always encouraging. I love that she shared the brush strokes so that I can practice them to build muscle memory”
- Aalekha
“I have attended a few workshops and no one gives the knowledge and insight like Jillian does! Florals always seem intimidating but Jillian taught so well and gave me courage to try!”
- Crystal Tan
“The clear breakdown of all the different brushstrokes and what each brush can do. And also getting a chance to play with the flat brush in all the ways you suggested. I never had anyone show me how to use a square brush in the way you use it! So good!”
“I have attended several workshops with Jillian and each time I walk away with a renewed excitement for watercolors. She shares her knowledge and experience generously and makes participating welcoming and fun. Jillian has allowed me to attempt techniques I have not considered, breaks them down to digestible nuggets and makes otherwise intimidating techniques approachable. Thanks Jillian for leveling up my watercolor skills!”
- Allison
Start to paint like YOU today!
Still waiting until you “feel ready”?
You’ll keep hesitating.
Scrolling your camera roll, feeling stuck.
Trying to trace or copy, hoping it’ll somehow feel like your own.
But the shift doesn’t happen from following steps.
It happens when you learn how to see.
And once you do — painting from reference becomes second nature.
Join the Workshop for $37 →
Because your inspiration deserves to become your art.