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: August 20 and 21, 10am - 4pm

Location: 23 N. Ferry Rd.

Course Fee: $300, some materials included. Please see materials list below.

Ages: 16+

REgister

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

  • Acclaimed painter working in soft pastel and oil, Alison explores light, color, and atmosphere with both discipline and curiosity. After early study in studio art and classical piano, she returned to painting following a long hiatus, ultimately finding a deep connection to the luminosity and immediacy of pastel.

    Her subjects range from landscape and urban scenes to still life, unified by a focus on dramatic light, shadow, texture, and color. Moving fluidly between realism and impressionism, her work reflects a belief that painting can be both rigorous and deeply approachable—an invitation to slow down, look closely, and connect.

    At SIAC, Alison brings this same spirit to her work and teaching, encouraging artists of all levels to engage seriously with their craft while embracing the joy and discovery inherent in the process. She continues her studies with nationally celebrated artist Linda Richichi.