We’re back with new lessons on how to paint with pastel, coming to you daily from the 5th Annual Pastel Live online art conference, where we’re broadcasting live from three locations, with artists watching from all over the world.
“This is truly a rare moment in art history — to have such a world-class faculty and a worldwide audience coming together to learn,” said CEO and host Eric Rhoads. “Whether you’ve already mastered other art forms or are just beginning your artistic journey, pastel offers something unique, vibrant, and incredibly rewarding.”
Here’s what some folks said about attending Essential Techniques Day:
“So glad I signed up again for the Essentials day even though it is my third Pastel Live. Always learn so much!” ~ Carol Thurlow
“Essentials day always come thru with new information and tools. Demos are great.” ~ Carol Blaire
“Was well worth it. I recommend highly.” ~ Jan Wallach
On Day 1 of Pastel Live, we enjoyed lessons from Rita Kirkman, Lisa Regopoulos, Michele Ashby, Aaron Schuerr, and more, along with break-out rooms for camaraderie and bonus Sponsor demonstrations. Here’s a glimpse at what you might have missed.
Highlights from Pastel Live, Day 1
Using a photo reference of the “queen” of her local Renaissance Festival, Rita Kirkman explained her techniques (including mark-making, working small, and mixing colors by glazing) for creating a portrait in bright sunlight, which need certain colors and values to achieve “that warm glow.”
Lisa Regopoulos is a pastel artist who loves the balance of realism and impressionism. For over a decade, she has dedicated herself to working in pastels and teaching workshops across the U.S. and abroad. At Pastel Live, Lisa showed us how to create intent in a still life by blocking in, developing focal areas, and using edge control for a painterly effect.
Joining us from England, Michele Ashby’s session was all about how to use pastel pencils to create a dynamic portrait in black and white, with techniques she uses on a regular basis. She said she kept the process simple by using the strong composition of her reference image, which she then translated into a realistic portrait.
Joining us from his studio in Livingston, Montana, plein air painter Aaron Schuerr used a variety of photo references from La Jolla (pronounced “Lahoya”) on the California Coast.
“You may be overwhelmed by now but the only way to overcome it is to practice what you’ve learned,” Eric advised at the end of the day. “Practice makes a big difference. Don’t give up or give in … you can do this.”
We also want to thank our incredible supporters! In addition to bonus pastel painting demonstrations and Q&As, they provided giveaways throughout the event, along with exclusive discounts for attendees.
- Blick Art Materials (Platinum Sponsor)
- PanPastels by Golden Artist Colors (Gold Sponsor)
- PaintTube.TV (Gold Sponsor)
Join us for the Pastel Live Main Event, taking place today through Friday. Simply visit PastelLive.com and register now so you don’t miss another minute!
