Watercolor painting tools and artwork by Nina Squire on a workspace.

Online soft pastel workshops

The best way to learn soft pastel is simply to start.

Online soft pastel workshops are a friendly and flexible way to develop your painting skills from home. You can join me live on Zoom, work from a recording or combine both approaches, depending on the time and pace that suit you.

My live sessions usually last two hours which includes a Live Q&A. You can paint alongside me, watch the demonstration and ask questions, or use the recording afterwards to create your painting in your own time. I explain my process step by step, including how I choose colours, simplify a reference photograph, build layers and make decisions as the painting develops. If you’re new, choose an image you like from my beginners section, and I’ll show you how to create it step by step. Or begin with my one-hour taster workshop

Try the £12 taster workshop

Browse my current online workshops. You can choose an individual workshop that appeals to you or join a series for a more regular creative rhythm. The recordings can be paused and repeated, making them suitable for beginners as well as experienced artists who want to explore new subjects and techniques. Once the live date has passed, each session is available as a recording. If you are new to my workshops, the links below will help you get started.

New to my online workshops? Start here

These three short guides introduce my process, explain how to book and show you what materials you’ll need.

An introduction to my process
Art supplies and landscape paintings on outdoor table by Nina Squire.

How to book and access your online workshop
soft pastel materials including pastel sticks and pencils

Soft pastel materials: a quick-start guide

Not Sure Where to Start? – Try my Beginners Sessions

Here are some great sessions designed specifically for new pastelists.

Soft pastel painting setup on a beach with easel, painting of a landscape, and art supplies.

Paint with me this autumn | Join my Autumn Series

Join me online for a relaxed series of soft pastel workshops, painting everything from riverbanks and allotments to London buses, cottages and coastal views.

Paint live with me on Zoom, or catch up with the recordings in your own time. Six workshops, four evening Q&As and a bonus festive workshop.

Read more and book your spot

Recorded workshops by ability

Choose your level from beginner, intermediate or more experienced. Recorded so you can watch at a pace that suits you.

Workshops by theme

Choose your preferred theme. Drawing a view you love means you’re more likely to finish. Everything is step by step so go with your first instinct, go for it.

Workshop Series

If you’re looking for a way to improve, committing to a regular practice is a great way of doing so.

Find out about my workshops

Workshop Bundles

Why not try a popular workshop bundle, a series takes you through a progressive step by step route to gain confidence.

What People Say

Nina is a wonderful soft pastel tutor. Her knowledge of art and pastels is exceptional, and she shares it with genuine passion and enthusiasm. She is patient, understanding and supportive, creating a warm environment where everyone can learn and develop at their own pace.

Fran

Nina is an engaging, enthusiastic and kind tutor who genuinely enjoys helping artists deepen their understanding of soft pastel. The course was thoughtfully planned, worked at a pace that suited the group and introduced us to a slightly different way of using charcoal and pastels.

Wendy

Nina is an exceptional teacher. She gives you the right steps to move your painting skills forward and has a wonderful eye for colour and movement. With just a small suggestion, she makes her guidance clear and helps you see what your painting needs.

Erla

Nina is a very inspiring and engaging tutor who instils confidence in her students. She is patient and supportive, and her workshops are an absolute pleasure. I came away with an improved skill set and a renewed sense of inspiration.

Katy

The whole group grew in confidence under Nina’s impeccable tuition. She has a subtle way of bringing out the best in your artistic soul. Her encouragement is amazing and, before you know it, you find yourself moving forward and creating with greater confidence.

Jillian

Nina’s teaching programme and methodology were excellent. The combination of sketching outdoors, painting and reflecting on the surrounding landscape and seascape made it a fantastic artistic and social experience.

Dragana