Description
Discover the beauty of pastels while learning color composition and theory! Perfect for beginners and those new to pastels, this class explores floral still life with tulips in a vase. Students will learn blending, layering, and color harmony while creating a soft, luminous painting.
We'll also cover watercolor underpainting techniques to enhance pastel artwork. Whether working in pastel alone or combining it with watercolor, you'll gain confidence in capturing light, form, and texture.
By the end of class, you’ll have a finished painting and a solid foundation in pastels. No prior experience needed—just bring your creativity and a willingness to explore a new medium!
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Soft pastels in a variety of hues and values
Terry towel for under easel
A jar of isopropyl alcohol with opening large enough for a 1" brush
1" Nylon flat brush
UART pastel paper or any sanded surface for pastel no larger than 16x20
A board larger than your paper to tape paper onto.
Artist tape or clips
Paper towels
Apron/gloves
Vine charcoal
**Optional watercolor paint
About the Instructor
“Creating art is a vehicle through which I can more easily communicate my impressions of the world. I enjoy using line, color and a dynamic design to tell my visual story. As I begin the creative process, the medium of pastel provides an immediate and colorful way to make painterly decisions and choices.”
Karen Israel’s pastel paintings are defined by their dynamic compositions and unique viewpoints. She is influenced by the light and mood of the subject and lets those elements dictate her approach. These subjects are rendered with a strong appreciation for the rigors of formal design coupled with a fearless array of color choices.
In addition to numerous awards, Karen’s work has garnered the honor of Signature Member with the American Artists Professional League, Master Circle with the International Association of Pastel Societies and Master Pastelist with the Pastel Society of America. Karen is an artist member of the,The Copley Society, Boston and the Lyme Art Association and is a past member of the Salmagundi Club, NYC.
Karen conducts many teaching demonstrations and workshops throughout the United States and she has served as juror for many national competitions.
In May 2022, Karen’s pastel paintings were on exhibit with Les Amis Des Arts in Pastels of the World in Bourbonnais, honoring American Women pastelists, Montluçon, France.
Karen’s pastel paintings were featured twice in Practique Des Arts: August 2020,July 2018 and in Southwest Art Magazine in April 2021.
In March 2024, Karen was interviewed live on FOX61 for “Creative Futures” , featuring local artists. https://artbykarenisrael.com