Having fun with Pastels

Description

This class is designed to cover the fundamentals of pastel painting while experiencing the fun of using pastels. Pastels are a "dry" layering medium formed into "sticks" of highly pigmented color that are applied using the fingers. By using this flexible, forgiving medium, "mistakes" can easily be brushed off and painted over - no stress! The classes will focus on the uses of pastels, color, various techniques, and painting small studies (experiments) and larger finished works. The goal is to have fun and enjoy learning. Supplies • Hard Pastels--Prismacolor NuPastels, minimum set of 24; larger sets provide more color choices. Use a single-edge razor blade to sharpen the end without a number; then, break off the numbered end so that you have 2 shorter pieces. Save in the original box. • Soft Pastels (not oil pastels)-Sennelier, the Paris Collection; or Terry Ludwig Pastels (choose a "mixed set" or color collection). The half-sticks are the most economical and last longer because they are used in the final stages of a pastel painting. Start with a small set and add colors as you are able. Save in the original box. • Optional: Medium soft Pastels-Rembrandt half-sticks. Pastel Paper, resources below: • UArt 400 grit Premium Sanded Pastel Paper, 1 pack of 10--9x12 sheets in beige. • Optional: Art Spectrum Colorfix (elephant toned, or color pack of 10 sheets, 9x12). • AVOID Canson Mi-Tientes smooth drawing paper, or locally purchased pastel paper. Paper Support: 3/16 or ½ inch Foam Core Board or 1/8 inch Masonite. The board should be large enough to leave at least 1 inch around a 12x16 or 12x18 sheet of paper. These are available from Michaels and Hobby Lobby in Amarillo. Other materials: • Apron or cover-up like old shirt • Sketch book (approximately 6x9, white or toned) • Mechanical pencil with eraser • Gray kneaded eraser • Vine charcoal (for drawing on pastel paper) • Rags or damp wash rag in zip bag; grocery bag for trash disposal • VIVA paper towels • 12 or 18 inch ruler • Small color wheel • Black or cream colored masking tape • Plastic cup, jar or metal can to use with underpaintings (large enough for your brush) • 1 container of 70% alcohol or 91% alcohol (available at drug store or grocery store) • 3/4 inch flat, soft painting brush. I use a Master's Touch soft dark-haired brush available at Hobby Lobby or on-line (approximately $8). A one inch brush will also work. • Optional-Disposable rubber gloves or finger cots / face mask