We have several awesome WORKSHOPS available to you this year!

Exploring Soft Pastels April 10, 2025

Beth Olson 9:30 am – 3:30 pmJoin me for a comprehensive pastel class designed for anyone interested in learning the techniques used in applying pastels to different surfaces.  You will learn a painterly method of applying pastel in the morning session which will show you different mark making techniques with minimal blending. In the afternoon session we will be blending our pastels to get the effects that you want. I will demonstrate both aspects of these methods using 

dual-sided paper in one session and sanded in the other. During the morning session we will cover basic knowledge including:

• Understanding the different types of pastels: soft, hard, pan, pastel pencil
• Explore various surfaces suitable for pastel work, including different types of paper such as dual-side paper, sanded paper, pastel mats and boards, watercolor paper, mixed media, etc.
• Recognize how important a Notan is to our artwork and why we do it
• Learn how to create a variety of strokes using the tip, sides and corners of pastels
• Experiment with different sizes and shapes of pastels to achieve unique textures and effects
• Practice mark making on scrap paper to develop control and precision

We will put this knowledge into executing a painting using a reference photo that you bring with you. Prior to painting, we will draw our Notan to find our values and define our composition. During the afternoon session we will discuss

•  Method of underpainting using pastels and alcohol
• Using the massive or blocking-in technique using broad masses of pastel color
• We will look at layering and blending our pastels to achieve depth and dimension
• Discuss different techniques to use to achieve texture and atmosphere 

Using our reference photo along with a Notan we will then implement what we have learned and create a pastel painting using these techniques. For this session you can use the same photo reference from the morning class or 

use a different reference photo. 

$55 Members

$75Non-Members

Description, Supply List and Registration below!

Monday and Tuesday, June 16th and 17th, 2025

10:00am to 4:00pm

 DAY ONE:  Morning: We will be doing an in-depth exploration of composition and the use of line, tone, color and edge. Working through the entire process, we will be following a step-by-step process, establishing a the loose sketch with the paint brush. Once the composition is in place, we will 

be blocking in base colors - mindful of the four basics first steps of an impactful composition. In addition, we will be addressing why mixing the right colors is so important to painting realistic water and waves.

Afternoon: Continuation of blocking in the entire canvas, with attention to shape, value, chroma and how one shape relates to another on the canvas. NOTE: The use of Liquin Original or similar is critical, so that the canvas can be superficially dry to the touch for Day Two.

DAY TWO: This begins an in-depth guidance while working through the painting. Building on what was covered day one, we will be covering which colors, mediums and brushes give you the best effects each step of the way. 

More attention will be given to establishing form/mass, with attention to creating both a sense of depth and light. Brushstrokes and colors both will underscore the essence of what the water is doing. By the end of day two, the paintings will already convey a sense of time, place and mood. And with further details added, a narrative will fundamentally be established. NOTE: The use of Liquin Original or similar is critical - so that the canvas can be superficially dry to the touch for Day Three.

Day Three is an optional class for those who wish to fine tune. See below.