Artistic Recipes for Pastel Techniques

Whether you are an absolute beginner or an intermediate artist you will learn to enliven your pastel paintings through new techniques and interesting color combinations. Techniques of pastel application and a variety of surfaces will be demonstrated. Both color and compositional theory will be explored and demonstrated through helpful demos. On the first day you will experience the joy of pastel without the stress of subject matter, creating several small abstract compositions that emphasize pastel as line, pastel used as shape, and color harmonies that enliven each composition. Learn how artists throughout the centuries have used shoes as inspiration, from Van Gogh to Thiebaud. Create a personalized still life of shoes, from hiking boots to colorful flats or heels. Unusual shoe still life material will also be provided. The use of your cell phone to crop imagery and re-evaluate paintings in process will be demonstrated. On the last day you will create a pastel painting of a floral bouquet using the techniques you explored in the first and second classes. Bouquets will be provided and you’re invited to bring flowers from your garden. The class will conclude with a group show of the work created by everyone.