Description
Build the foundation of your art practice and develop confidence with soft pastels.
We’ll move from the rich colour and texture of early autumn through glowing evening scenes, winter architecture, stormy beaches and finally snow.
When: Tuesdays, 10am–12pm UK time
Where: Live on Zoom (with recordings available within 24hrs)
We start with a refresher session, perfect if you’re coming back after a break or just starting out. Then we’ll explore a variety of inspiring pastel subjects together, step by step.
Can I join after the series starts?
Yes. If you miss Riverbanks or any sessions, you can catch up with its recording and join us live for the workshops still to come. Your series booking includes all six daytime workshops, the extra festive evening workshop, four evening Q&As and access to the workshop recordings for at least 12 months.
Key Dates:
22 September — Riverbanks
Tangled riverbank foliage is the perfect subject for rediscovering your pastel mojo after the summer break. We’ll begin with a refresher while exploring layers, texture and expressive mark-making.
6 October — At the Allotment
A colourful arrangement of dahlias, weathered wood and glass. This session combines beautiful autumn flowers with some interesting new challenges in texture, reflections and structure.
20 October — Evening Warmth
We’ll take a creative trip to Spain and discover how to capture the welcoming glow of evening light outside a restaurant.
3 November — London Buses
Create an atmospheric nocturne featuring the unmistakable glow and colour of iconic London buses after dark.
17 November — Windswept Cottages
Inspired by a winter walk at Lee Bay, Devon, this characterful cottage is a lovely opportunity to explore windows, stonework and quirky buildings in your sketchbook.
1 December — Beyond the Dunes
A coastal scene filled with sunlight, soft dune grasses and a glimpse of the sea beyond. We’ll explore fresh coastal colour, atmospheric distance and gentle transitions to create a feeling of light and space.
15 December — Festive Mountain Snow
An evening session, 7 – 8.30pm, a festive workshop for Autumn Series members. We’ll finish the series by creating an atmospheric snowy mountain scene together.
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New for Autumn.
As a bonus, series members are invited to exclusive evening Q&As 7 – 7.30pm with extra tips on Zoom: 22 September, 20 October, 17 November and 1 December.
You’ll also have access to the recordings for at least a year, plus the support of our friendly online pastel community.
Join me for a season of creativity, learning, and inspiration. Individual sessions can be booked here.
If you’re new to my workshops, you’re very welcome to dip in with a single session first — and if you enjoy it, you can always join the full series later. Drop me a message and I’ll send you a link.
During the course, you’ll learn more about artist’s, present and past, that inspire my work and subjects. Techniques and tips that reference art history and Live Q&A during the workshop.
Why join?
- Connect with fellow pastel enthusiasts in a friendly space. A private Facebook Group.
- Learn from live Zoom workshops or enjoy flexibility with recordings available shortly after.
- Get a creative boost to keep you inspired all season long.
FAQ
- How long do I have to catch up? You’ll have access to the workshop recordings for at least 12 months after purchase, and often longer. I can’t promise forever (technology and storage change over time), but you’ll always have plenty of time to revisit the sessions at your own pace. To get the most from the series, I recommend joining in while it’s fresh — make notes as you go, and you’ll build your own personal reference to dip back into whenever you need, without relying only on the recordings.
- Do I have to be on Facebook? No, the Live sessions are all on Zoom and the recordings hosted on my website.
- Is it for beginner and experienced artists? Yes, beginners can watch step by step, using the recording to create at a slower pace. Experienced artists can use the session to inspire new subjects and challenges with the techniques learned in each of the sessions.
- Can I ask questions? Yes, there are Live Q&A’s via text chat during and after the session and also evening Zoom Q&A’s for those who miss the session.
- Do I get feedback? Yes, one of the lovely parts of my online community is how everyone supports each other. You’ll get my Live Q&A’s and comments from me. YOu can join my Facebook group and share progress with other members in a Private Facebook Group. I’ve found that these sessions and comments are so helpful and encouraging. Focusing on successes and returning to pastelling regularly, those are the best ways to see improvements in your work.
Endorsements from recent students
- “I was nervous about joining, but Nina explained everything clearly.”
- “I could not attend every session live, but the recordings were easy to follow.”
- “The series gave me the confidence to start painting regularly again.”
- “The group is friendly and supportive.”
