Pastel Workshop: Capturing Still Life with Allison Woodward
Join celebrated SIAC teacher Allison Woodward on Saturday, October 3 to explore the beautiful medium of soft pastel and learn the essential techniques for creating a realistic and compelling still life. Focus on form, color, light, and detail as you bring your subject to life.
Schedule: Saturday, October 3, 1-5pm
Location: 23 N. Ferry Rd.
Course Fee: $100, not including materials (see recommended list below).
Experience Level: some pastel or painting experience is valuable, but not required.
Materials List
Students should bring the following materials to the class: (please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, to: info@shelterislandartscenter.org)
Supply list:
1. Small sketchbook - preferably toned paper
2. #2 pencil & white pencil/white charcoal
3. Kneaded eraser
4. A good starter set of soft pastels that include dark, medium and light values, ideally a 60-80 pieces set - suggestions in the links below for excellent artist grade soft pastels:
https://www.dakotapastels.com/product/RichesonHR80RichichiColorEnergy?cat=242&idsku=18892
https://www.dakotapastels.com/product/sennelier-80-half-assorted?cat=326&idsku=10553
https://www.dakotapastels.com/product/Richeson-HR-80-Ballot-Coastal-Palette?cat=242&idsku=19659
https://www.dakotapastels.com/product/RichesonHR80RosierSmithLandSea?cat=242&idsku=18896
For those you wish to experiment with lower-priced option before committing to the medium – below are some good alternatives at a lower
price points that still quality and have a good range of values:
https://www.dickblick.com/products/rembrandt-soft-pastels/?Item=20026-0909
https://www.dickblick.com/items/mungyo-gallery-artists-soft-pastels-set-of-72-wooden-box/
Meet Your Instructor
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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.