Tiny Painting in a Tin: Online Water-Mixable Oil Workshop

Live online · [Day, Date] · [Time] UK time · 2 hours · £30 · Replay included

Join artist and educator Sarmed Mirza for a relaxed, step-by-step online workshop. Paint a tiny cherry still life in water-mixable oils, and discover what working small can teach you.

Over the years, I’ve learnt an enormous amount from making small paintings, including my Monument Valley and ReGenesis series. Working small lets you go through the whole creative process: the first marks, the decisions and discoveries, and the final touches that bring a painting together.

And because each painting is small, you get to repeat that journey more often, learning something new each time.

In this workshop, I’ll introduce you to water-mixable oils and guide you through painting your own miniature, approximately 2 × 3 inches.

What we’ll paint

A small, simple still life of cherries. It’s an ideal subject for learning about colour, light, shadow and form. I’ll send you a reference photograph when you book.

What you’ll discover

• Getting started with water-mixable oils: What they are, how they compare with traditional oils, and how to thin them and clean up with water instead of traditional solvents.
• A simple approach to painting: How to observe your subject, simplify shapes, find light and shadow, and make your first marks.
• Colour mixing and brushwork: How to use a small, limited palette to build colour relationships, depth and form.
• The power of painting small: How miniature works encourage experimentation and decision-making, and help you learn faster.
• Beginning, developing and finishing: How to approach a painting as a complete process, without getting lost in the details.

What’s included

• Live, step-by-step demonstration and guidance
• Time to ask questions as you paint
• A downloadable cherry reference photograph
• A simple, affordable materials guide, sent as soon as you book
• Access to the workshop replay for [X weeks]
• Guidance on drying, handling and displaying your miniature painting

What you’ll need

Materials are bought separately. If you’re starting from nothing, expect to spend roughly £25–40, and less if you already have some supplies. You’ll need:

• A small starter set of water-mixable oil paints. I recommend Winsor & Newton Artisan or Royal Talens Cobra.
• Two small synthetic brushes
• Prepared oil painting paper or a small primed panel
• A few household items, such as kitchen roll, jars, masking tape and a pencil

The full list, with suggestions for every budget, is in the materials guide.

Do I need a tin?

No. The tin is a lovely way to display your finished painting, so bring one if you have one. A standard mint tin works perfectly. If you don’t have one, I’ll show you other simple ways to present your painting, and the materials guide includes a printable display template.

Who is this for?

Whether you’ve never touched oil paints before, are curious about water-mixable oils, or already paint and want to discover the possibilities of working small, you’re welcome.

You don’t need a studio, expensive materials or previous experience. Just a few supplies, a little curiosity and a willingness to experiment.

Don’t worry if your painting isn’t finished by the end of the session. Oils stay workable, the replay is there, and many people enjoy coming back to their painting afterwards.

Booking, replay and refunds

• After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with the materials guide and reference photo. Your joining link follows [X days] before the workshop.
• Can’t make it live? The replay is available for [X weeks].
• [Refund / rescheduling terms, e.g. “Full refund if you cancel up to 7 days before the workshop.”]

One tiny painting. A complete creative journey. Skills you’ll use again and again.