Karol Oakley

We will be exploring some of the many ways pastel can be used, both as a wet and dry medium, including underpainting.

This workshop is based on exploring the local landscape, buildings and the river; using supplied references and some outdoor painting (weather permitting). Everything we do is demonstrated, explained and includes step by step examples.

There will be one-on-one tuition as students work through the days painting. Each day ends with a class critique and discussion. This workshop is designed to build confidence and skills and to encourage participants to let loose, have fun and create paintings with purely pastel.

Materials List

Paper Art Spectrum Colourfix brand paper – two sheets of the colour Soft Umber in the size 700 x 500mm.

Canson Mi-Tientes brand pastel paper one sheet in the colour “Moonstone” Number 426, size 750x550mm.

Two sheets of Glassine paper to store the pastel paintings in.

Pastels Bring what Artists Quality soft pastels that you have. A set of landscape colours is preferred if you have to buy any. Each student will definitely need these strong dark colours. Art Spectrum brand D570 Phthalo green, N530 Phthalo Blue, P584Warm Grey and a very soft bright white pastel. Also two tones of cobalt blue very light and next lightest. An example is Windsor and Newton Cobalt Blue No.179 tint one and tint two.

Please use which ever brand of soft pastel suits you these are a guide only to the colour and tone required.

Folder to store paper and paintings in. I use a piece of cardboard folded in half and closed with a bulldog clip. It is a bit larger than my backing board 600x400mm.

Easel standing preferred but which ever is comfortable for you. Table top is fine or a board on your lap in the field (and a chair of course)

Backing board: to take a half sheet of Canson Paper approx 400x600mm size, with no dints or scratches in it. Padding the board is optional.

4 Bulldog clips

Masking tape

A Kneadable eraser/ putty eraser, the Faber Castell Knetgummi brand. (Its flat, square and grey wrapped in plastic.)

Old flat square bristle brush about ½ inch wide. (To remove pastel with).

Synthetic square brush about ½ inch wide (to paint with)

Willow charcoal

Pastel pencil in a mid tone brown colour

Old towel

Visual diary and 2B pencil

Hat, sunscreen, comfortable closed in shoes, water bottle and camera for outdoor days.