Pastel Techniques: Vibrant Landscapes

Pastel Techniques: Vibrant Landscapes is a course designed for adult learners interested in exploring the unique qualities of pastels to create striking landscape art. This course covers a range of techniques from basic to advanced, focusing on the use of color, texture, and layering to capture the beauty of natural landscapes. Students will learn how to effectively use soft and oil pastels to bring their outdoor scenes to life with vibrancy and depth.

Course Outcomes for Students - 

• Acquire a comprehensive understanding of the different types of pastels (soft, hard, and oil pastels), including their properties and the surfaces best suited for pastel artwork.
• Master basic pastel handling techniques, with an initial focus on creating simple landscape elements using soft pastels to lay a foundational skill set.
• Develop skills in color blending and layering with pastels to create smooth transitions, depth, and intensity in landscape scenes, applying color theory effectively.
• Learn texturing techniques specific to pastel work to mimic natural textures found in landscapes, such as trees, grass, and water, utilizing different strokes, pressure levels, and layering methods.
• Participate in a community of learners, sharing experiences and feedback, to foster a supportive environment for artistic development.

Requirements - A curious and interested mind, no experience is necessary for this course.  

Materials - All regular course materials are included, though students may receive lists of supplies if they would like to practice at home after the course ends. We do provide a sketchbook for students, but students are welcome to bring their own if they choose.