my approach
The ability to capture luminosity and intensity of color within a pastel painting is quite
remarkable. I love all that pastels have to offer and I am sure you will as well. Within my workshop or class setting I will teach you to push color, make appropiate color choices and produce bold confident marks that ultimately, will enable you to turn an ordinary photo into an extraordinary painting. You will work in the studio from photos and I will work personally with you one on one at your easel. We will examine the reference photo together and discuss ways that your original feelings and impressions of the place can be expressed in your
painting. Merely reproducing a photo is never enough, so I always encourage my students
to explore their memory of that place, the energy, their mood and even the weather. As an exercise, such exploration leads to more expressive work. I encourage attendees to bring photos from within everyday life and those you are most sensitive to. They can be city scenes, country fairs, restaurant scenes, parties… whatever conjures an inviting memory or feeling. You will be amazed at what you can achieve.
I will, also be teaching techniques that are unique to pastels, so if you have never tried the medium don’t be afraid to go at it. You will learn
the techniques necessary to work successfully in pastels whether you are a beginner or
quite experienced with the medium. As a practicing licensed teacher I am comfortable
working with and recognizing the particular level of expertise a student may possess.
We all learn and grow at our own
pace, yet I believe everyone walks away with something new of value.
how it works
I offer my workshops to art associations in your area. I do this because it makes financial sense for the student who
is studying the medium to get in on local workshops. You have no travel and lodging expenses and you can divide the cost of the workshop amongst the participants to keep the cost of instruction down. I limit my workshops to about 12 people so that each student can get lots of one on one help at their easel. To me the most important part of a
workshop is that you get the help at the level of instruction that you need. By limiting the class size you are ensured
of personal help when you need it and when you have questions.
I will offer a short demonstration just to get you started. While there is value in watching someone paint, this class is about you, not about me. I want you to
understand how to get started, so I will demo this, but then I want you to get in and tackle the painting yourself.
I will help throughout the painting process as you need it. Each artist has different needs and different approaches. I want you to develop your painting from your own point of view. Then I will help you to achieve success through your own
way of seeing things.
I will list all workshops that are being offered. If you are interested in getting into a particular workshop just contact me and I will make that happen. If you are interested in bringing a workshop to your area I can help you with that process.
The classes are fun and very directed.
Each member will leave having learned many of the techniques for creating vibrant pastel paintings and with a renewed excitement for painting in general. Please call with questions and ideas.
I would love to brainstorm new ways to present my medium
to meet your needs and expand your painting experience.
For complete information on all fees, locations and materials required for my workshops, or individual and
group sessions, please e-mail me or use the form on the contact page.