You will explore pastels and express your creative voice as a pastel painter in a fun and friendly atmosphere! All abilities (including beginners) are welcome!

Participants will work in a series to learn and review pastel basics. We will explore various materials, including hard and soft pastel brands, sanded and self-prepared surfaces, as well as advanced techniques available to pastel painters today. We will focus on value, color, design, and composition. Students will receive instruction on the process of working with pastels with on-on-one support, class interaction and feedback.

PASTEL SUPPLIES LIST

§  Faber-Castell Soft Pastels 48 or 72 set or comparable (and available at Michael’s or online at: www.dickblick.com , www.dakotapastels.com and other art supply sites), or bring what you have! Please, NO oil pastels! Participants are encouraged to try Eileen’s pastels before making any investments… But fair warning, acquiring pastels may be habit-forming!! 

§  We will discuss available pastel brands and options in class.

§  Sketchbook for thumbnails, preliminary sketches, and exercises.

§  Your cell phone or device with photos that you may print at the center, or copies of YOUR OWN images for painting references of what YOU WANT TO PAINT! 

§  Drawing Board or support to mount paper on. Kneaded Eraser. Rubbing Alcohol. Paper Towel. Gloves, if desired. Baby Wipes or Rag.

§  Please, DO NOT purchase unsanded papers (like Canson or Strathmore). If you are a beginner, pastel paper is not necessary for the first week. We will discuss sanded papers, like UArt, Colorfix, Pastel Premier, Lux Archival and PastelMat. (UART will be available for purchase.) We will also talk about methods to make your own surfaces.

§  A limited selection of pastels and paper is available at:

Tree’s Place, 60 Rt 6A, Orleans, MA 02653 or

Woodruff’s Art Center at Mashpee Commons, 1 N Market St, Mashpee, MA 02649

Online Art Sites (i.e., Blick, Dakota Pastel, Jerry’s Artarama)

§  Feel free to bring any related supplies you may have already.