The Work
Dimitra's paintings, where realism meets abstraction.
Layered florals and insects that stay loose, dynamic, and alive. This is the way of working you'll be learning to build from the ground up.
A three-day painting workshop with Dimitra Milan on building rich, layered florals and insects that move between realism and abstraction.
Only 15 seats / August 11 to 13, 2026 / Sarasota, Florida
This is three immersive days of building rich, layered paintings of florals and insects. Dimitra Milan shows you how she builds a painting from the ground up, weaving together collage, sketching, inks, and oils into work that feels both detailed and alive, supported throughout by Stephanie Linden.
The heart of it is learning to move between realism and abstraction, so your subject stays recognizable while the painting stays loose, dynamic, and full of breath. You'll start with a series of studies to get comfortable with florals and insects, exploring form, movement, and composition in an intuitive way, then carry those studies into a full painting.
Along the way you'll learn to simplify, exaggerate, and abstract elements of your subject to create depth and movement instead of chasing strict realism. The whole approach holds both precision and freedom at once, where abstraction is a choice you make on purpose to lift the feeling of the piece.
Start a painting with studies, collage, and sketching, then layer it into a full composition that's truly your own.
Keep your subject recognizable while letting the painting stay loose, dynamic, and alive.
Combine collage, ink, and oils to build depth and cohesion, so your work feels both refined and free.
Take home a repeatable way of working, from studies to a finished piece, that keeps your work rich and dynamic.
Leave with a piece you've actually moved forward, and the judgment to know when to simplify and when to push.
We focus on florals and insects as a grounded way in, but the process carries into any subject or style you paint.
Layered florals and insects that stay loose, dynamic, and alive. This is the way of working you'll be learning to build from the ground up.
DM
Headshot to add
Dimitra Milan is a contemporary artist known for her expressive, layered paintings that blend realism with abstraction. Her work is inspired by nature, emotion, and movement, often weaving together florals, animals, and the human form into rich, immersive compositions.
As an instructor she brings an intuitive, exploratory approach, guiding artists to loosen their process while still making work that feels intentional and refined. She loves helping artists trust their instincts, embrace layering, and build a visual language that feels both free and cohesive.
She's joined by Stephanie Linden, an artist and instructor known for her thoughtful, supportive presence and her attention to detail. Her work reflects a strong understanding of form, layering, and material exploration, and she helps artists bring more depth and clarity into their paintings. Stephanie offers hands-on, individualized guidance across all three days, helping you navigate both the technical challenges and the creative decisions as they come up. She also competed on The Outstanding Artist, making it into the second half of the season.
✦ Layered Florals & Mixed-Media PainterEach day runs 10am to 4pm, with a midday break. A natural arc from studies, to building the painting, to refinement.
From first-time oil painters to seasoned artists refining their voice, these are workshop artists in their own words.
“It’s the best art lessons I’ve had in thirty years.”
After 30 years of intermittent painting, Kimberly decided to make art her primary focus, and her skills skyrocketed. Life transitions pushed Kimberly to follow her passion for art full-time. The Mastery Program’s structured approach rapidly improved her skills, and in-person workshops brought major breakthroughs in each session. In Sarasota, she mastered skin tones, figures, and mystical backgrounds, areas she’d struggled with before. Kimberly now sees every painting as a step forward and proof that dedication beats “natural talent” every time.
“I have a BFA and a master’s degree, but I’ve learned more here than anywhere else.”
After 20 years in abstract, Kit wanted to master realism, and fill the gaps in her formal training. Kit’s journey took her from avoiding portraits to confidently painting them. The Mastery Program gave her the foundational skills to translate anything she sees onto canvas. At the Sarasota workshop, she pushed herself to create glowing, translucent effects she’d never achieved before. She left knowing exactly how to elevate her work, and the confidence to keep pushing.
“This is my very first oil painting… and now I know I can do it.”
Emily had been a practicing artist since 2012, but she had never touched oils. The Sarasota intensive became her “sink-or-swim” moment, and she discovered she could swim beautifully. Emily came to the workshop with years of acrylic experience but zero in oils. Apprehension melted into excitement as she learned the layered, step-by-step process of creating light-filled work. Her goldfinch painting, made for her husband, became a personal milestone. With the encouragement and guidance she received, Emily left ready to dive back into the Mastery Program and embrace oils without fear.
“I thought painting had to be agony… now I’m in a flow where I’ll always have ideas.”
Eight years into painting, Mary still felt something was missing, until she found her flow. A landscape architect by trade, Mary entered the Mastery Program seeking the art school education she never had. Through the process, she not only found her voice but also learned to work with lighter, more intentional strokes, a game-changer for her style. Inspired by her home in Baja, Mexico, her workshop piece captured the glow of jackrabbits and cacti at sunrise. She left with renewed energy and the tools to sustain her professional art career.
“Even if you’ve been painting for years, this program is transformative.”
Gillian found freedom and magic in her art by embracing mixed media and her “magician” archetype. A casual online workshop with Elli and Dimitra was Gillian’s gateway to the Mastery Program. Discovering alcohol inks with oil paints lit up her work, literally and figuratively. At the Sarasota in-person workshop, she created a glowing jar with a curious cat, bringing the “painting light” lesson to life. For Gillian, the program’s magic is matched only by the deep support from the Milan Art team.
“I was hesitant because of my age… but I just plugged in and kept going.”
Carole almost didn’t join because she feared the time commitment. Now she paints 30 hours a week. Carole had painted a little before joining the Mastery Program but wanted to take her skills seriously. A mentor’s accountability kept her consistent, and her love for mixed media flourished. The workshop challenged her to blend her whimsical style with realistic light, and she succeeded, creating a glowing floral piece that marked another milestone in her growth.
An intimate studio setting with direct, individual guidance across all three days.
August 11 to 13, 2026 / 10am to 4pm daily / In person at the Milan Art Studio in Sarasota, Florida
Extend the experience August 10 to 14 with the Milan Art House add-on. Details and availability shared on request.
Open to all levels. A supportive space for Mastery Program students and anyone drawn to florals, insects, and a more expressive way of painting.
You'll leave with a painting well underway and a process for building rich, layered work, in everything you paint next.
Reserve Your EaselOnly 15 seats / August 11 to 13, 2026
No. This workshop is open to all levels. Whether you're new to florals and insects or looking to deepen your approach, you'll find a clear path to building confidence with both the subject and the materials.
We focus on florals and insects as a grounded, recognizable way in, exploring how to move between realism and abstraction. The process you'll learn applies to any subject or style you work in.
No. Every art supply you need is included and waiting for you at the studio. Just bring yourself and any ideas, inspiration, or reference you’d like to work from.
In person at the Milan Art Studio in Sarasota, Florida. Full location and arrival details are sent to registered artists ahead of the workshop.
All sales for in-person events, including workshops, retreats, intensives, and other experiences, are final. We do not offer refunds or credit for cancellations or no-shows. Funds can not be transferred to another event.
By registering for any in-person event, you are agreeing to this policy and helping us maintain a smooth and well-prepared event experience for all.