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.