Have you ever felt the draw of the sea—the urge to capture dramatic waves and rugged cliffs in a way that does them justice? There’s something timeless and soul-stirring about painting the coast, and it’s no surprise that artists have been drawn to these scenes for centuries. From the Cornish shores immortalised by Stanhope Forbes and the Newlyn School, a favourite of mine, to the sweeping seascapes of the French Impressionists, the coastline has long inspired creativity. I’d love to invite you to join me in exploring this magic through my latest online pastel painting workshops. My first workshop this year explores seascapes, stormy waves and craggy rocks.
Walking and Sketching: A New Way of Seeing
One of the joys of being an artist is how a simple walk transforms into a treasure trove of inspiration. Armed with a sketchbook, you’ll start noticing the interplay of light on wet rocks, the intricate patterns of seaweed, and the way waves carve shapes into the sand. Sketchbooks are a wonderful way to capture fleeting moments—a quick note of the movement of clouds or the golden glow of a sunset over the water can later serve as the seed for a finished pastel piece. These quick sketches are about more than just practice; they’re a way of seeing the world with fresh eyes. Every walk becomes an artwork in the making.
In my workshops, I’ll be sharing some of my favourite Devon coastal spots as inspiration. From hidden coves to dramatic headlands, these locations never fail to spark my imagination. My hope is that you’ll feel inspired to step out into your own local coastline with more confidence, sketchbook in hand, ready to turn your walks into creative gold.
The Importance of Perspective
When painting the coast, perspective is your best friend. It’s what gives those rocks their scale and rugged majesty. Without the right proportions, what should be a towering cliff can look like a pebble, and the drama of the scene is lost. In the workshops, we’ll explore how to use perspective to create depth, making those rocks feel as though you could reach out and touch their rough surfaces. We’ll also dive into techniques for capturing the interplay of light and shadow, bringing energy and realism to your seascapes.
Be Part of a Creative Community
Painting can sometimes feel like a solitary pursuit, but one of the best things about my online workshops is the sense of community they bring. When you join, you’re not only learning from me but also connecting with like-minded creatives from all over. Sharing your work, seeing others’ progress, and swapping tips can be incredibly motivating. It’s a space where you can feel supported and inspired, especially if you ever lose your creative way. There’s something so reassuring about knowing you have both a tutor and a group of fellow artists cheering you on.
Why Join an Online Workshop?
Online workshops offer the perfect blend of flexibility and connection. Whether you prefer to paint along live or catch up with the recording at your own pace, you’ll have the support you need. My workshops are designed to suit artists of all levels, whether you’re picking up pastels for the first time or looking to refine your technique. Together, we’ll explore the challenges and joys of capturing coastal landscapes in soft pastel.
Let’s Capture the Coast Together
I’m excited to share my passion for coastal pastels with you and to help you see your local coastline in a new light. Whether it’s the crash of waves against rocks or the soft shimmer of a sunrise over tidal pools, these moments are waiting to be captured. Join us, and discovering a new way of seeing your local seascapes. I’m looking forward to seeing what you create!
Explore the Entire Series
Each workshop in this series builds on key artistic skills that can transform the way you approach any subject. For example, mastering the delicacy of foliage can later give you the confidence to tackle fur and feathers, while understanding contrast will enhance all your artworks by adding depth and drama. By joining a series o workshops, you’ll develop a cohesive way of working that not only improves your technique but also boosts your confidence to take on more challenging subjects. My hope is that by starting with one session, you’ll feel inspired to explore the rest of the series and discover just how versatile and rewarding pastel painting can be.
More Workshops to Spark Your Creativity
The workshops in the Spring Series are designed to build your skills and fuel your enthusiasm. Each session costs £16.00 individually or can be booked as a discounted bundle for £69.00 (usually £80-00) for all five. Live sessions take place on Tuesdays from 10 am to 12 pm UK time, with recordings available shortly after. Here’s what’s coming up:
- 28th January – Stormy Seascapes & Rocky Landscapes: Dive into dramatic perspectives and crashing waves.
- 11th February – Reflections at Sunset: Explore delicate twilight scenes and mirrored reflections inspired by my love of Camille Pissarro.
- 25th February – London Bridges: Inspired by Monet’s atmospheric London scenes, we will paint an iconic bridge.
- 11th March – Italian Cafe: Capture lively cafe vibes with tips for people and bustling scenes.
- 25th March – Dorset Sheep: Bring rural views to your easel, inspired by Henry Moore’s sketchbooks.
By joining the series, you’ll gain a wide array of skills that can be applied to all sorts of subjects. From the intricacy of foliage to the texture of fur and feathers, and from mastering contrast to developing your own confident way of working, each workshop is a stepping stone on your artistic journey. Joining one could spark a passion that carries you through 2025 and beyond!
Looking forward to pastelling with you again. Nina
Sounds lovely and informative, as always, Nina. I’ll be there!
–Kay