Nature Studies with Soft Pastels

Class Description

Soft Pastel is a uniquely expressive medium that lends itself to an exploration of nature, be it landscapes, birds, animals, figures or still life. In this class, students may work from simple still-life setups or choose from a variety of photo references. We’ll begin with an alcohol-wash underpainting on special sanded pastel paper, then build the painting in layers while exploring design concepts and a range of mark-making techniques. Emphasis will be placed on seeing shapes, values, edges, and color relationships rather than simply copying a subject. We’ll discuss when blending strengthens a painting and when it doesn’t. Whether your subject is a bluejay, a coyote, a distant landscape or an arrangement of natural objects, the goal is not merely to reproduce its appearance, but to discover what gives it life and character. 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. All materials included. All skill levels welcome.