You will be shown several established techniques including blending, layering, scumbling, glazing, and hatching. There are no hard and fast rules covering the use of soft pastels but there are some techniques that work better than others. We will also discuss the different materials available and how they can be used to best effect. You will also be shown the best ways in which pastel paintings can be protected and framed. There will be several paintings on display in a wide range of styles and techniques to inspire you. There will also be demonstrations throughout the three days, and you can be assured of plenty of individual attention.
We will be working from photographs, and all reference material will be provided but please feel free to bring along any images that you would like to work from. At the end of the course, you will be equipped with the skills and techniques needed to produce some exciting work, and the confidence to use what you have learned when producing further paintings of your own.

Soft Pastels:
A selection of as many soft pastels as you can muster. Try to include some neutral colours as well. Pastels sold in sets tend to contain too many bright primary colours. These brands are particularly good:

• Unison
• Sennelier
• Schmincke
• Jackson’s
• Art Spectrum
• Inscribe (economy)

Pastel Paper:
A selection of pastel papers in a range of colours, excluding white. There are many brands available, but I favour the Canson Mi-Teintes range. There are other brands available sold in pads, but make sure that they don’t contain too many light colours. Mid-tone, neutral colours are a much better basis for creating a painting or drawing. We will be working at roughly A4/A3 sizes.

If you want to push the boat out you could always try pastel card, which is more expensive but good to work on. Available brands include:

• Sennelier
• Canson Touch
• Art Spectrum

Other Materials:

• Paper stump or torchon
• Putty rubber
• Sandpaper block
• Craft knife or scalpel
• Stiff brush for removing pastel – a stencil brush, or an old hog hair oil painting brush is ideal
• Small spray can of fixative
• Masking tape
• Paper towel or tissues
• Baby wipes
• Some old clothes or an apron

Kevin Scully