Learn to paint with pastels

Landscape in Pastel, Reflections of Monet's Garden

Join Urania Christy Tarbet, PSA, KA, in this landscape pastel workshop. You’ll see the entire process necessary to construct a delicate, peaceful slice of time inspired by a visit to Monet’s garden’s expansive reflecting pond.

Urania begins her workshop by explaining the materials and her personal preferences and shares valuable suggestions to help keep track of your colors. She then tones her pastel work surface with a combination of two blues which help establish continuity and harmony. She discusses the pros and cons of her composition and the impact of using a square format. She uses vine charcoal to block in the basic shapes of her drawing. Urania lays down the initial colors in her drawing, preparing the way to capture the subtle color shifts of her subject in the following layers.

Urania demonstrates several time tested-techniques to apply her pastel. Her goal is to make you comfortable with the medium and to permit your own creative freedom. She overlaps multiple layers of hues to create an astounding array of subtle greens. She shows you how to reclaim the grit of your drawing surface and points out special considerations when working with soft pastels. She even has suggestions to make clean up and framing easier.

Urania Christy Tarbet is a highly accomplished artist, first president and founding member of the International Society of Pastel Associations. She is a signature member of the Pastel Society of America. Her awards are too many to mention here!