Description
Sometimes the hardest part of painting is simply getting started again.
If your pastels have been sitting untouched for a while, you’re new to soft pastel, or you’d simply like to try one of my online workshops before committing to a full series, Riverbanks has been designed as a lovely way back in.
We’ll work in our sketchbooks firstly and use a colourful riverbank scene to refresh some of the essential techniques I use in my own pastel paintings.
Because we’re working on a smaller scale, there’s no pressure to produce a big finished painting. Although I will take you through my process. It’s about experimenting, making marks and enjoying the process – particularly useful if life is busy and your painting time tends to come in small pockets.
Rather than trying to paint every leaf and stem, I’ll show you how to simplify all that tangled foliage into larger shapes, layers and expressive marks.
During the workshop we’ll explore:
- getting started again after a break from painting
- refreshing some essential soft pastel techniques
- simplifying complicated foliage
- building up layers of pastel
- creating texture without painting every detail
- expressive mark-making
- using your sketchbook as a place to experiment
- creating something achievable even when your painting time is limited
Suitable for beginners and returning painters. You don’t need to have lots of pastel experience to join in.
When: Tuesday 22 September, 10am–12pm UK time
Where: Live on Zoom
Recording: Available within 24 hours, with access for at least 12 months
You can paint along with me live, simply watch, or use the recording afterwards and work completely at your own pace.
And if this workshop gets you hooked, Riverbanks is also the first workshop in my Autumn Series 2026.
