Pastels combine the joys of drawing and painting in a way no other medium can. In this studio class we will experience different techniques and materials so the students become conversant with ways to use pastels to create unique, personal and exciting artwork. We will cover basics of strokes, working surfaces, and types of pastel sticks and encourage experimentation; pastels can be combined with many other mediums, or the artist can simply use pastel in layers. Exercises will include attention to composition, value control and the fundamentals of painting while also enabling students to explore the medium toward finding their own voice. Open to artists of any level!

Materials List: Create with Pastels

Materials

Pastels:
Minimum to purchase if you do not already have pastels:
40 stick set (at least) of soft pastels: Rembrandt, Unison, Ludwig, Senellier, Great American, Richeson, etc. If you lean toward landscape or portraiture, get a set labeled as such, otherwise opt for a general set. Half-stick sets are a good way to try them out. AlphaColor brand is unsatisfactory – they are a waste of money.
PLUS Small set of Nupastels or other hard pastels

If you already have soft pastels, bring what you have as long as it includes at least the above assortment.
As the course progresses, you are likely to want more pastels than the above.

Paper:
Sanded paper - For class exercises you will need a pack or pad of small pieces (e.g. 9x12, 11x14), and you will want larger sheets for your own work. Large sheets can easily be cut into small pieces
• Several medium (14x18, 18 x 24) sheets of sanded pastel paper such as UART, Premier, Art Spectrum; select one or two white or off-white, optionally also some colors.
• We will cut one sheet into smaller pieces OR bring a pack or pad of smaller pieces.
If you have traditional pastel paper (e.g. Canson), please bring it as well, but we will primarily work on sanded paper.

Other materials:
Sketchbook, pencils, eraser- These are important workhorses for your practice!
White artist’s tape or pale masking tape (no black or blue)
Soft paper towels (VIVA are best)
Material to work from: photographs of your own, or sketches or paintings
Hand protection: barrier cream or gloves (optional)

Optional materials for technique experimentation:
Vine charcoal, pastel pencils
Small watercolor set w/3/4” brush (not a fine sable! Synthetic is good)
Small set gouache paints (primaries)
One or two bristle brushes (synthetic recommended) ½ - ¾”
Viewfinder
Grayscale value markers (15%, 30%, 50%, 70%)

Sources:
Online merchants such as DakotaPastels.com, DickBlick.com, JerrysArtarama.com are reliable and fast. You can also buy pastels directly from many manufacturers.

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