Techniques for Pastels
Supply List
We’ll work from life for most of the workshop. You may bring an object you’d like to paint. Something simple would be fine.
Please also bring photos that interest (or puzzle) you. These can be any subject: landscape, close-ups, florals or still life. I’ll also have some photos you can use.
Please also bring
Soft pastels -- as many colors as you have (see bottom of email for sources)
Nupastels or other hard pastels (see bottom of email for sources). We'll use hard pastels for beginning stages of paintings and for detail work in later stages .
Sanded paper (see bottom of email for sources. I will have some available for purchase. See info below
Cut to 9x12", 8x10", 11x14" sizes or just bring and cut them at the workshop.
Hard backing to put behind sanded paper on the easel — I use a piece of foam core 16x20"
An old filbert or flat brush, about 1/2" to 1" wide
Masking tape (NOT blue, please)
Aluminum foil — a piece 18-24" long, to put on easel tray to catch pastel dust
Viva paper towels — Viva brand highly recommended, for its softness
Easel
Prairie Arts Center has standing easels and table easels; but feel free to bring your own, if you prefer.
Optional Supplies
A portable light for your easel. Can be a clip-on or floor light. Preferably with daylight/color-correct bulb
Sketchbook — for notes, thumbnail sketches
Drawing pencil or pen
Old flat brush, about 1 1/2" to 2” wide
Sources
Pastels and sanded papers
Prairie Arts Center may have some materials available for purchase. Soft pastels, Nupastels and sanded papers are not available elsewhere in Stillwater.
In OKC, Porch School and Art Supply (near 50th & Santa Fe) carries some hard and soft pastels and sanded papers.
(A great art supply place, by the way.)
In Tulsa, Ziegler’s carries some hard and soft pastels and sanded papers.
Or you can order soft pastels and papers online: Terry Ludwig (www.terryludwig.com), Dakota Pastels,
Dick Blick, Jerry’s Artarama, Cheap Joe’s.
Yes, soft pastels are expensive, but they last a very long time. And they're wonderful!
If you can, get at least a few colors to try.
1. Soft pastel brands:
Terry Ludwig Sennelier
Unison Great American
Schmincke Diane Townsend
Mount Vision Girault
Henri Roche
Rembrandts are harder than most soft pastel brands, but will work.
NuPastels are hard pastels, but will work (I use these along with soft pastels).
I use mainly Terry Ludwigs and a smattering of the other brands.
2. Hard pastel brands:
Nupastels
Giraults
Gallery (not preferred but will do)
3. Sanded papers:
I use mainly Art Spectrum's ColourFix paper, dark colors. I buy the large 19x27" sheets and cut them into smaller sizes.
I'll have ColourFix large sheets on hand for the workshop, in Aubergine (cool violet gray) and Burnt Umber (warm dark brown). You can buy these at my cost. (Should be about $10 each.) You’ll need 1-2 large sheets. We’ll cut them to 9/12”, 8x10” 11x14” sizes at the workshop
You are welcome to bring your own paper, if you prefer; just please be sure it is sanded paper.
Other brands of sanded paper:
Some of these are light in color. Light-colored paper is not my preference, but you may like it. Or underpaint on it first, to tone it.
UArt (320 or 400 grit; not 280, 600 or 800 grit)
Fisher
LaCarte
PastelMat
Pastel Premier
Richeson
Ampersand Pastelbord