Pastel Workshop: Luminous Landscapes with Allison Woodward

Join celebrated SIAC teacher Allison Woodward on Saturday, October 10 to explore the unique quality of landscapes painted with pastel. Discover why pastel is so beautifully suited to capturing the light, atmosphere, and glow of landscapes and waterscapes. Learn techniques for creating luminous effects and bringing a sense of light and depth to your work.

Schedule: Saturday, October 10, 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.

Registration COMING SOON!

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

  • 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.