The Power of Pastels

Learn how to create stunning paintings using strong vibrant soft pastels. Pastel Paintings are no longer relegated to those old pastel-colored sketches or portraits. In the last 30 years, pastels and pastel paper have evolved and are now more popular than ever for  good reason: They are accessible, easy to use and clean up. The range of artwork and styles being painted today is vast and limitless! 

In this two- day workshop, Susan Ellis will walk participants through her process to make full-sized colorful paintings with soft pastel and sanded paper. Each day we will spend the morning having fun experimenting with color exercises and compositional studies. We will spend the afternoons designing and painting from a personal photo supplied by you. 

Susan will supply the sanded paper for use. Participants who have their own pastel paper or other preferred type of  paper are welcome to bring it. 

Dates: November 12 & 13

Time: 10 AM to 3 PM

The supply list:

A selection of artist grade soft dry pastels. (no oil pastels- they are actually another animal). Some brands I suggest are Rembrandt,       (least expensive and available many places such as art stores and Michael’s) or Unison, Jack Richeson, Terry Ludwig’s, - all available online art suppliers such as Blicks, Jerry Artarama etc.

sketch paper, ruler, masking tape, erasers, pencils or black markers for sketches and exercises. Bring whatever you have. 

1-2  small inexpensive brushes for rubbing alcohol application. 1” wide or less.

A small jar of 70% isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol. any type of rubbing alcohol will do and I’ll have some to share. 

Photographs to work from.

Paper towels, apron and Wetnaps for cleaning up. Pastels are dusty!!

Your sense of adventure and zeal for fun!