Intro to Pastels with Allison Woodward

Explore the wonderful world of painting with soft pastels in this 2-day workshop. Whether familiar or new to the medium, this class is for anyone wanting to learn more or further hone pastel techniques.

Schedule: to be announced

Course Fee: tba; see materials list below

Location: TBD

Registration: coming soon

What You'll Learn

We will go over the various types of pastels, papers and tools, how to layer and blend so-as better understand how to approach painting a piece, one’s artistic style and desired effect.

Perfect for beginners or those wanting a refresher. 

Day 1

Loosen up and block in

The first half of day 1 will consist of a set of exercises to loosen up and get tactical with the materials, as well as learn basics of composition and why value is perhaps the most important element.

Second half of the day we will work on blocking in a subject based on provided photo references or your own.

Day 2

Continue creating

We will continue to work on individual paintings while applying the concepts for how to go from blocking in simple shapes then develop more detail and to create luminosity in a painting. The goal is to have a strong start and/or finish a painting by the end of day 2.

Allison will be doing demos for each of the exercises as well as starting a painting from a photo reference.

Materials List

Included with the cost of the class will be a starter set of soft pastels and 2 surfaces for painting projects. You are welcome to bring additional, if you have them.  Allison is happy to advise in advance of the class.

Please bring on your own:

  • Small sketch book 6x8 size is fine – preferably toned grey/tan

  • White pastel or charcoal pencil

  • 2B or 6B pencil or charcoal pencil, kneaded eraser

  • Several Clips and or painter’s tape

  • Gloves – disposable latex work well (or Skin Saver Cream)  

  • Glassine paper cut to place over each pastel paper.  (or clear bags to place finished pastel inside.)

  • Paper towels/baby wipes (to help keep hands clean)

  • You are welcome to bring your own photo reference – look for ones with good contrasts of light/shadow – I will provide examples of what makes for a good reference prior to class.

Meet Your Instructor

  • Bio here