"Quest" - Dot Mandala Workshop Oct 21-22, 2023

BEFORE YOU BUY, PLEASE NOTE: 

These sessions will be conducted via livestream in a private Facebook group. After purchasing your ticket to this event, you will receive an email containing an attachment with the link to join the Facebook Group. Click on that link to be taken to the group page and request to join. You will be asked to provide the email address that you use during your purchase so it can be verified, at which time you will be granted access to the group. This can take up to 12 hours if your request comes in while I am sleeping :). Please keep an eye on your Spam or Junk folder if you do not receive the welcome email in your Inbox after purchase. 

Even if you can't attend a live session, don't worry! The sessions will be recorded and made available for lifetime access on Youtube. You can revisit the recordings at your convenience, ensuring you have all the resources you need to perfect your dot mandala painting skills on various surfaces.

I have created a downloadable PDF pattern the "Quest" design that we will do in the workshop and can be purchased by clicking here.

This workshop is suitable for all skill and experience levels, making it the perfect opportunity for both beginners and seasoned artists to explore the world of dot mandala painting.

**What to Expect:**

This workshop consists of 2 Main Sessions (3 hrs each) plus 2 Mini-Sessions (1 hr each). Here is the schedule (all times are in Eastern) and more detail about each session:

Mini Live #1: Tuesday, October 17th from 5-6pm - Getting Ready

I will guide you through the fundamental drawing guidelines and help you choose and mix the perfect paint colours to bring your vision to life. The original design was done with 5 shades of green plus a gold accents, but I am going to simplify the design to use 3 shades (Light, Medium, and Dark) plus an accent. this will open up some freedom to choose colours that you enjoy working with and that are calling to you for this piece. In the facebook group, I will supply you with the list of paints & colours for the original greens, as well as offer up colour alternatives ahead of time to spark ideas. We will talk about those on this live as well. 

Main Session #1: Saturday, October 21st from 1-4pm - On Day 1 we will work through the design as far as we can. We will get most of the base design completed, and ready to top dots and other embellishments on Day 2.

Main Session #2: Sunday, October 22nd from 1-4pm -  We will complete the majority of the design on Day 2. You will still be left with some details and top dots to complete in subsequent days as the paint dries. We will cover any remaining details during Mini-Live #2.

Mini-Live #2: Tuesday, October 24th from 5-6pm - Finishing Up

We will discuss options to expand and make your piece larger, in case you wish to add your own unique twist to the existing pattern. Learn finishing touches as I guide you through the process of removing guidelines, sealing, and protecting your finished piece.

Below you will find the supplies list. They can also both be found in the "Featured" section of the Private Facebook Group. 

• You will need at least 6" square (I will be using a 14" square wood panel cause I really want to try to add on to this design to make it bigger). You can paint this on any surface you choose, as long as there is at least the 6" clearance 
• sandpaper (80-120 grit will work perfectly)
• black paint or gesso (or whatever background colour you choose). I use black gesso to help give me the smoothest surface possible.
• 1 colour of paint, and white paint, accent colour like silver or gold
• paint pots or palette to mix paints in
• damp cloth to clean your tools
• dotting tools - You don’t need a fancy set of tools to create beautiful dot mandalas. Anything with a flat round end, or any pointy tool like a sharp toothpick will work. I started with crochet hooks of different sizes, and I stuck a sewing pin in the end of a pencil eraser, oh, and toothpicks were essential for tiny dots. I use Happy Dotting Company and DIY Mandala Stones tools as my main dotting tools. The largest tool I use in these designs is 13mm, and the smallest in these types of tools is 1.5mm. I also use a set of metal nail dotting stylus tools - check out the photos here for pictures and sizes of my stylus and pointy tools for reference. 
• Chalk pencil, watercolour pencil, or pencil (least fave), a ruler, a compass, and an eraser for guidelines
• small paint brush for correcting changes and touching up the background colour
• stir sticks/toothpicks to stir & mix paints
• varnish for your finished piece - choose your own adventure here! I prefer matte finishes, but there are lots of great satin and gloss varnishes as well! Liquitex, DecoArt, and FolkArt all have great varnishes available on amazon or at Michaels or the like.
• cotton swabs and clean water for removing chalk/watercolour pencil guidelines
• comfy clothes, yummy drinks & snacks

My ultimate goal is to create a fun and relaxed atmosphere, where you can let your artistic spirit flourish. Join me on this magical journey and unlock the joy of dot mandala painting. Reserve your spot today, and let the adventure begin!