Yes! I'm Available for Workshops and Demos!

Yes!  I give Workshops! 

I love to teach.  I believe good technique opens up a big window for artists wanting to improve skill sets.  I am a "double Master." 

I have been awarded Master Circle status with the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) and I have been awarded Master Pastel status with the Pastel Society of America.  I document my works in progress, and I always share my process documentation with students.  I believe having good documentation to fall back upon when you cannot remember everything discussed live.  With over 15 years working in the field of technical documentation, my handouts are well written, concise, and contain essential information to repeat what is observed in a demo or workshop.  

I customize workshops to meet the specific interests of my students.  Contact me if you want more information on how I can provide the Workshop or Demonstration you seek.

Why Study Different Pastel Surfaces

Perhaps nothing impacts the type of image that can be achieved with soft pastel than the type of surface used.  Pastel artists can choose from a great range of manufactured smooth and sanded papers and boards.  The other option lies in creating a ‘do-it-yourself’ surface.  Each type of surface drives how you can work and the type of effect or detail that can be achieved. Filling the tooth on a sanded paper is easy to do, and complicates development.  Working on a textured board removes the restrictions of filling a surface's tooth.  You can work extensively without losing the ability to put down  a final 'fresh' stroke.

Textured Surface - In my workshops and demos I  demonstrate how to create textured panels that support your composition and style of working.  This means, how to regulate the level of tooth, surface pattern, and panel color.  Along with sharing recipe making for ground, I cover how to create an underpainting that supports rendering form.

Fixative - The famous pastel artist Edgar Degas is known to have used a casein-based fixative to work up complex layers of color.  In my workshops and demos I demonstrate the techniques to confidently employ the modern-day casein-based fixative SpectraFix successfully.  And I also explain how you can use this casein-based fixative to control edges and luminosity. 

Colors that 'Bounce' - The pure pigments of pastel allow vibrations of color and visual mixing impossible to capture in any other medium.  The use of a texture surface and casein-based fixative provide a wider latitude to build up complex, dynamic color.   My demos and workshop show students how to achieve richer color without losing surface freshness.

NOTE:  Upon request I will provide students with prepared boards to work.  This enables the student to experiment new techniques without being burdened to invest in supplies ahead of time.  I also additional panels available for sale.  My workshops and demos always make available a handout that contains detailed notes and instructions on creating and applying ground.