In this workshop, beginning to advanced students will explore ways to create unique, personal works of art based on their own reference photos. Participants will learn how to find dynamic compositions with strong focal points and push color to enhance their vision. We will step away from the confinement of exact “copying” of reference materials and move toward finding our own interpretation of a scene.

Day One will begin with a short demonstration using a tonal underpainting to create a halftone “structure” on which to build a pastel painting. We’ll discuss how to crop into photos for various compositional options and how to loosely block in dark and medium areas that establish a value plan, before adding color.

Day Two will begin with another short demo using a colorful watercolor underpainting which uses complimentary colors to create an impressionistic, “vibrating” effect. After creating several value sketches, emphasis will be on students painting loosely and using strong marks to strengthen their chosen composition.

This workshop will require 9 participants to run. Artists ages 18+ are welcome.

*Cancellation Policy* - To receive a full refund (minus a non-refundable $25 registration fee), cancellations must be made by Tuesday, February 4, 2025. No refunds will be issued, for any reason, after this date.

SUPPLY LIST

Please bring the supplies listed below. Table easels will be available at the studio, but if you have a favorite or prefer to stand, feel free to bring your own.

Pastels - Bring a variety of pastels, both hard and soft, with a wide range of values in each hue, from very light to very dark.
Bring one each of a dark blue, dark green and either a dark red or purple hard pastel. (If you need to purchase these, check out Prismacolor NuPastel Assorted Colors set of 12 for about $13 or Cretacolor Pastel Carre Hard Pastels Starter Set of 12 for about $25.
Surfaces – 4 pieces of white or beige 9” x 12” SANDED paper to work on. My favorite is UArt.
Support - GatorBoard or foam core are both lightweight and sturdy backings to support your paper on the easel (minimum size of 12” x 16”)
Underpainting – Small container of isopropyl or denatured alcohol or water
A few OLD brushes – (3/4” or 1” wide)
Small palette (at least primaries) of watercolors or acrylics and water cup
Misc.- Neutral color masking or painter’s tape (NOT BLUE!)
Paper towels
1 Black and 1 40% Cool Prismacolor Double-Ended Brush Tip Marker (or similar)
Vine charcoal stick
Kneaded eraser
Plastic gloves or other hand protection such as gloves in a bottle or invisible glove

(All supplies should be available online at Dick Blick - dickblick.com)

IMPORTANT: Please bring ten 8 ½” x 11“ prints of your OWN favorite photographs to use for inspiration. They do not need to be cropped for composition or have perfect color. They can even be out of focus. But they need to “speak” to you in some way. We will not be “copying” them, we will be using them to give us wings to fly. Please avoid bringing photos by photographers other than yourself.

We will provide wax paper for protecting your finished work. But if you are traveling to Saline, you should bring a painting carrier or box for the trip home. There will also be available some fixative to experiment with but if you have a favorite brand, please bring it with you.

2-Day Workshop with Jill Stefani Wagner, PSA-MP IAPS/MC GLPS, “5-Step Approach to Pastel Painting”