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 and pastel pencils, 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 during the two days, and you can be assured of plenty of individual attention. At the end of the course you will be well-equipped to continue with your own projects.  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.

Soft Pastels:
A selection of as many soft pastels as you can muster, including of course some skin tones: pinks, creams, browns, etc. 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 Pencils:
A selection of as many colours that you have, including skin tones: pinks, creams, browns, etc. These brands are particularly good:

• Stabilo Carbothello
• Derwent
• Faber Castell

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. The paper is only available in single sheets, which can be cut to size. 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.

Other Materials:
Drawing board approx. A3 size
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

There will a selection of the tutor’s materials available for you to use if you don’t have everything you need. These will be charged at a cost of £10 per person for the course.

Kevin Scully