Color Studies with Soft Pastels

Class Description

Painting with Soft Pastels is an excellent way to deepen your understanding of color. With hundreds of colors available, the medium offers a very different experience from fluid paints. We will focus on simplifying color choices and using color effectively. Simple still life setups and photo references will provide inspiration. We'll begin with an alcohol wash underpainting, then build the painting in layers while exploring a variety of mark-making techniques. We'll discuss when blending strengthens a painting—and when it doesn't—as well as the elements of compelling composition. Emphasis will be placed on seeing shapes, values, and color relationships rather than simply copying a subject. The goal is not just to learn a medium, but to learn to see more clearly. The class will conclude with an introduction to mounting and framing pastel artwork. During this six-hour workshop, students will have the opportunity to complete more than one project.