Pastels combine the joys of drawing and painting in a way no other medium can. In this class we'll explore the special characteristics of pastel while emphasizing: the basics of composition and value control; the emotional cast that color provides; techniques both traditional and modern; and an array of materials available to artists now. Each week will focus on one topic but will include reference to and discussion of other aspects of painting as well. New students as well as continuing artists from last session are welcome!

Materials

Pastels

Minimum to purchase if you do not already have pastels:

Small set of Nupastels or other hard pastels

PLUS 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.

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, 18x24) 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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