Magical Skies and Water in Pastel

Sky and water are two elements in a landscape that have inspired and challenged artists throughout history. Working in small to medium format, we will explore various techniques for painting both, including cloud configurations and the creation of strong compositions and changing light, with a special focus on nocturnes. We will also learn how to depict water, from calm, reflective ponds and lakes to ocean waves. Participants work from reference photos and are invited to create thumbnail sketches from life as reference for larger paintings. The final project will be geared to personal style.

Professional artist Sondra Holtzman’s artwork reflects musings of travel, afar and close to home. She leads painting explorations all over the world, including Europe, South America and the South Pacific.

After attending Rhode Island School of Design, Sondra worked as a freelance designer, creating artwork for clients like Nike and Delta Air Lines. Her work has been published in 1000 Artist Journal Pages and Signatures: The Art Journal Collection by Somerset Studio.

For Sondra, the true joy of being an artist also lies in the sharing of her passion with others, helping them to discover their own artistic voice.

ESSENTIAL:

• Set of SOFT pastels (no oil pastels, please)

• Assortment of SANDED pastel papers

• Package of baby wipes

• Set of NuPastels

• Pastel pencils

• Heavy tip Sharpie for Notan studies

• Pen and notebook

• Photos/images of skies and water you find appealing

• Camera(optional)

• Folding outdoor chair for painting outside

• Clipboard for sky and water thumbnails/studies

• Pastel spray fixative

• Drawing paper

• Ruler

• Scissors

• Old toothbrush

• Roll of blue painter’s tape

• Rubbing alcohol

• Glass dishes

• 12 small sponge brushes for alcohol

• Extra toothbrushes

• Extra pastels

• Scissors

• Large sheet of sanded pastel paper that has a grid on the back

• Sanded papers for demonstrations

• Paintings, samples of daily paintings

• Baby wipes

• Paper towels

• White note cards for Notan studies