Working with a variety of subjects, students will explore properties and techniques associated with soft pastels. Color theory, drawing and design concepts and individual problem solving will be topics of discussion and demonstrations. Portraiture, still life and abstraction will all be areas of investigation and we will look at various artists who have worked with medium. This course addresses painting issues through a drawing medium and could be a good transition course to take for students with drawing experience before taking a painting course.

Class limit: 15 students, ages 14 and up

Materials needed (Can be any brand; Dick Blick is a good quality brand at reasonable cost):

• A basic set of studio (soft, not oil) pastels: https://www.dickblick.com/items/blick-studio-pastel-set-set-of-48/
• Artist grade pastels are of better quality, but pricier: https://www.dickblick.com/items/blick-artists-soft-pastel-half-stick-set-assorted-colors-set-of-60/
• Pad of charcoal or pastel paper, assorted tints: https://www.dickblick.com/items/strathmore-500-series-charcoal-pad-18-x-24-assorted-tints-24-sheets/
• As an option, students can instead purchase individual charcoal or pastel papers- enough for approximately 5-6 drawings, 18x24” or 16x20” sizes
• A can of workable spray fixative: https://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-matte-fixative/
• Optional materials include a chamois cloth, various blending tools for pastels, and final spray fixative.