Don’t be put off by my pensive ‘just opened the bank statement‘ expression I assure you this will be a ‘stress-free’ weekend looking at this very versatile medium. We will look at a variety of pastel techniques and then tackle a personal project to explore the opportunities that using soft pastels presents. All levels of experience will be catered for.
A list of required materials (very affordable) will be issued in advance to students who have registered for the workshop.
Materials list:
- Bring a really good quality reference of what you'd like to paint (3D or photographic); scenic, portrait, still life etc. Pastels are chunky so keep the reference large and simple. You'll be working around 30x40cm. Time is limited so don't be too ambitious!
- A stick or two of charcoal, soft and hard pastels and pastel pencils (not regular colour pencils). Don't spend a fortune on quality pastels if you are just starting. I will have plenty of pastels at hand.
- I recommend Sennelier pastel board or a 'sanded' paper/board A3 size or bigger. I will be providing some pastel material so don't panic if you don't have any.
- Bull-clip/masking tape.
- A stiff old brush (to brush off unwanted pastel strokes)
- Tracing paper - frowned upon by 'purists' but can come in handy.
- Pastel fixative (optional) some artists use hairspray. I avoid both, however it can make life easier sometimes. Fixative applied outdoors only!
- A dust mask if you are sensitive to chalk dust.
- Wet wipes (pastels are dusty and dirty)
- Paper towels.
- An old chunky hand towel.
- Fingers and thumbs to blend and smudge with - the fun part! (I'll bring along some DIY 'smudgers' too)
- A friendly disposition and an adventurous spirit - mandatory!
We will supply easels and boards.
INTERESTED IN Pastels ?
If you want to be kept posted on 'Pastels' classes/workshops with Neil, fill in the form below and we will get back to you.