In this one-day workshop, we will work on various ways to begin a pastel painting, focusing on color theory and how the use of underlying color can help shape a final piece. In the morning, you will createfour different studies, all from the same photo reference, exploring four distinct color methods.
You then will see how your initial application of color creates color harmonies and tensions and changes the mood of a painting once you apply your final layers of pastel. In the afternoon, you will create a larger piece using the approach you find most appealing – there are no wrong choices! All students will have personalized feedback and guidance as we explore these options and start to see the power of color in a composition. This class is appropriate for all levels, assuming some familiarity with the pastel medium. A materials list will be provided in advance.
About the Instructor: Heather Quay
“My goal is to have my paintings capture the feeling of a particular time and place. I have always been fascinated by the way that painters portray the quality and temperature of light. As a pastel painter, I continue to be drawn to scenes where the light is the central character. Whatever I am painting – from landscapes, both natural and manmade, to figures, animals, and portraits – I’m always striving to render the light I see onto the surface of my artwork.”
Heather’s work has been included in juried exhibits across New England and online, and has won a number of awards. She is an Associate Member of the Pastel Society of America, and a Signature Member of the Pastel Painters Society of Cape Cod, the Connecticut Pastel Society and the Maryland Pastel Society. She is also a member of the North River Arts Association, the Central Massachusetts Pastel Society, the Pastel Society of New Hampshire and the Lyme Art Association. Heather is a Featured Artist on the Artsy Shark website. More about Heather and her work can be found at www.heatherquay.com
Materials:
PASTELS: A variety of hard and soft pastels, with a good range of color and value.
You can use any brand you have. NO oil pastels.
DRAWING BOARD: This is to support your paper while you work. As long as it’s
sturdy, it’s fine – could be Gator-board, foam core or Masonite.
PAPERS: We will be working on white, cream or beige sanded paper (any brand is fine
– Art Spectrum, Pastel Premier, LUX Archival, U Art). You will need:
at least four small (6” x 9”) pieces; and
at least one larger piece (9” x 12” or a little bigger)
For the small pieces, you can either cut two 9” x 12” papers in half, or you can use a
larger piece (18” x 24”) and simply draw two bisecting lines so that you have one sheet
with four 6” x 9” sections. If you are using separate small pieces, you should mount
them on the same board.
PHOTO REFERENCE: We will be working on a landscape. Make sure that you choose
a photo reference that has at least 4-5 different value shapes (dark, middle, and light
values). Please keep it simple – no architecture or people, and no seascapes. If you
don’t have a photo that works, I will have extras.
MISC. SUPPLIES:
Drop cloth or towel for underneath your easel (the classroom has easels)
Vine charcoal for sketching on your surface (soft or very soft)
Artist tape 3/4"-1" for mounting your paper
Paper towels
Wet wipes
Glassine, tracing paper or clear bags to protect work on the way home
Lunch and drinks
Apron (optional)
Vinyl gloves (optional)
Sketchbook (optional)
