Mood, Magic & Atmosphere in Soft Pastel

In this unique workshop, learn to create mood and atmosphere that will make your paintings stand out and evoke a certain 'magic.' Using the medium of soft pastel as a focus, and working in small format, we will develop a new way of seeing through the use of additional materials and tools, along with acute observational skills resulting in evocative and intriguing works of art.

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.

A set of soft pastels with a good color range. I highly recommend the Paris set by Sennelier

A set of hard pastels

Two Pastelboards by Ampersand: I recommend 9"x12" or 8"x10"

Images you love that will be the subjects for the final two paintings: iPads, photos, etc. NOTE: These images should evoke some kind of atmospheric mood

Support board for taping artwork to

Blue painters tape/Black tape

A selection of heavier paper: BIGGIE Drawing Pad (highly recommended), BFK Rives, Sanded pastel paper, Sturdy watercolor paper: at least 6 sheets of a variety of heavier papers

Vine and compressed charcoal

Black and white pastel

Kneaded eraser (two would be ideal)

Soft paper towels

Package of baby wipes

Brushes: a selection of different brushes for a range of marks

2 or 3 sponge brushes: I recommend 1" or 2" size

Small bottle of rubbing alcohol

I recommend a bamboo pen.

Notebook/pen

Old credit card; things for creating texture

A few old rags

Protective clothing you don't mind getting ‘painterly’

A small selection of brushes and tools for textural effects

A small selection of charcoal mediums

Extra soft pastels

Graphite tools

Pastel paper samples

Extra erasers

Extra inks