Pastel Podcast Episode 3: Insights and Inspiration with Marla Baggetta
In the vibrant world of pastel painting, few artists stand out like Marla Baggetta—a nationally acclaimed pastelist, gifted instructor, and pioneer in online art education. With a career spanning over three decades, Marla has transformed not only her own artistic journey but also the way artists learn and engage with pastel painting today. Her story is one of relentless creativity, deep passion, and a commitment to sharing the joy of art with others.
From Illustration to Pastel Mastery
Marla’s artistic journey began at the prestigious Art Center College of Design, where she studied illustration. In a pre-Internet era, she honed her skills by drawing from imagination and real-life models, learning the fundamentals of art in a rigorous environment. After more than twenty years working in editorial, advertising, and design illustration, Marla made a life-changing move to Oregon.
Oregon’s breathtaking landscapes inspired her to dive into pastel painting. The state’s mountains, ocean, and lush fields provided endless subject matter that quickly captivated her. Pastel painting soon became her primary focus, leading her to teach workshops nationwide and exhibit in galleries. Over time, the allure of pastel overtook her illustration career, allowing her to paint and teach full-time.
Embracing Online Art Education
Marla was ahead of the curve in recognizing the potential of online art education. Long before the pandemic, she began filming instructional DVDs and creating online lessons, doing everything herself from filming to packaging. Now in its seventh year, her online membership program offers an extensive library of monthly pastel painting lessons, guest artist interviews, critiques, and a vibrant forum.
This approach not only provides flexibility but also allows Marla to connect with artists globally, helping them develop their skills and find their unique artistic voices. She credits her background in illustration for her comfort with the technical and business sides of online teaching, and she finds joy in both painting and educating.
The Power of Teaching and Continuous Learning
For Marla, teaching is not just about sharing knowledge—it’s a way to deepen her own understanding and improve her art. She emphasizes the importance of verbalizing the nonverbal, intangible aspects of painting, which strengthens her creative process. Having taught live workshops in 43 states, she values the dynamic exchange that teaching provides.
Marla encourages artists to embrace perpetual learning and experimentation. She is an advocate of dabbling in multiple mediums—from graphite and watercolor to oils and even digital painting. This exploration enriches her pastel work and keeps her creativity fresh. She warns against confining oneself to a single medium or style, urging artists to stay curious and open.
Fundamentals: The Foundation of Artistic Growth
A recurring theme in Marla’s philosophy is the importance of fundamentals. Whether an artist leans toward realism or abstraction, mastering the core principles of drawing, composition, and value is essential. She stresses the value of daily sketching and thumbnail studies, which help artists develop their observational skills and plan their paintings effectively.
“Drawing skill is about form and being able to see where things sit in space, even if your style is loose or abstract.”
Marla recommends spending at least six minutes on thumbnail sketches before beginning a painting to explore composition and value relationships. This practice may seem time-consuming but ultimately saves time and leads to stronger, more intentional artworks.
Exploring Materials and Techniques
Marla’s studio is a testament to her love for pastel, filled with vibrant sticks from various brands like Terry Ludwig and Art Spectrum. Yet, she also experiments with underpaintings using fluid acrylics, inks, and other grounds to add texture and chromatic intensity to her pastel works without compromising the paper’s tooth.
She recently discovered the versatility of PanPastels, particularly a phthalo blue shade that closely resembles a beloved but discontinued pastel color, spruce blue. This discovery came through her openness to new tools and media, highlighting the importance of exploration in an artist’s practice.
Balancing Artistic Freedom and Career Sustainability
Marla’s career path is unique in that she has never held a traditional job with a boss, always working independently as an artist. This freedom has allowed her to make choices aligned with her joy and creative fulfillment. She no longer participates in galleries or festivals, instead selling original works and demos through her website and Etsy.
Her online teaching platform has been instrumental in providing the financial stability and flexibility to pursue projects that inspire her. This multifaceted approach—combining painting, teaching, and mentorship—serves as a model for building a sustainable art career in today’s world.
Influences and Community
Marla draws inspiration from a range of artists, from old masters like George Innes and Nikolai Fechin to Impressionists such as Monet. Contemporary peers like Tony Elaine, with whom she has co-taught workshops, also influence her work and teaching philosophy.
Her online lessons feature interviews with many prominent artists, fostering a sense of community among pastelists and providing students with diverse perspectives. Marla’s ability to articulate her process and encourage individuality ensures that her students develop their own voices rather than becoming clones of her style.
Looking Ahead
Marla is excited about launching the seventh year of her online membership program, hosting live workshops in her hometown, and returning to Italy for more plein air sessions. She also plans to attend the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) conference—a major pastel event that she highly recommends.
Her future endeavors continue to blend teaching, painting, and exploration, embodying her belief that art enriches life and the world around us.
Final Thoughts: The Artist’s Journey
Marla Baggetta’s story is a powerful reminder that art is both a personal journey and a shared experience. Her dedication to fundamentals, openness to experimentation, and passion for teaching inspire artists at all levels to keep growing and creating.
“It is amazing to be an artist and to walk through life with artist’s eyes. I hope you get to do that too.”
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced pastel artist, embracing daily practice, exploring new media, and investing in your fundamentals can transform your creative path. Marla’s work and teaching offer invaluable guidance to help you find your own vibrant voice in the world of pastel painting.
Related Links from this episode of the Pastel Podcast:
- Marla Baggetta’s website
- Marla Bagetta’s Instagram
- Marla Baggetta’s Etsy Store
- Plein Air Convention
- Lon Brauer on Art School Live
- IAPS – International Association of Pastel Societies
