An introductory-level Studio Class on pastel painting will be offered at the High Museum in Atlanta, inviting participants to explore the vibrant world of pastels and discover new opportunities for color, texture, and expression.
Participants will have the opportunity to experiment with both soft and oil pastels, gaining insights into rich colors, layered textures, and painterly mark-making. Through observational studies and photographic references, attendees will build confidence in essential techniques while learning how pastels can effectively capture form, light, atmosphere, and surface texture.
This course is designed to create a supportive environment for individuals, regardless of their prior experience with pastels. It will provide a platform to refine skills, embrace the medium’s versatility, and develop personal artistic voices through a series of studies and finished artworks.
- Week 1: Participants will become familiar with soft pastel materials, papers, and essential techniques. Engaging in mark-making exercises and simple observational studies, they will explore linear and side strokes, layering, blending, and value to understand the unique qualities of soft pastels.
- Week 2: Building upon foundational techniques, participants will explore color relationships, optical mixing, and expressive mark-making. Observational studies will include experimentation with feathering, crosshatching, and scumbling to describe texture, depth, and atmosphere.
- Week 3: The transition to oil pastels will be introduced, highlighting their rich, painterly qualities. Participants will learn unique techniques such as layering, blending, sgraffito, and solvent blending while comparing the differences between soft and oil pastels through observational exercises.
- Week 4: Progressing in their skills, participants will develop greater control over oil pastels, emphasizing color, value, texture, and dimensional form through various studies and applications.
- Week 5: Participants will choose either soft or oil pastels to begin a finished composition that integrates the techniques covered in the course. They will focus on refining composition, color, texture, and expressive mark-making.
- Week 6: The course will culminate in the completion of a finished pastel artwork reflecting personal style and technical confidence. Final sessions will include guidance on presentation, preservation, and a supportive group critique celebrating each participant’s artistic growth.
This class accommodates all levels of skill and talent, serving as an excellent entry point for those who have not previously engaged in art-making. Participants will acquire new skills applicable to their artistic practices.
In the event of a session being canceled, November 17 is reserved as a makeup date.
