Intro to Pastels

Intro to Pastels

Instructors: Nanci Sheppard

Pastels is a versatile medium developed in France in the late 1800’s. It was perfected for the French Impressionist because they are immediate, correctable, and can be transported easily. They have a special quality of luminescence that can’t be duplicated with any other medium.

In class I will discuss the properties of pastels, types of pastels, framing, and demo on Uart 400 sanded paper. Each student will be provided with the same color photo reference. Supplies you will be using are: 1 sheet of Uart sanded paper, eraser, and pastels. Ideally each student will leave with a finished painting to take home.

Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: SRAL Studio
Class Size: 16
Material Cost: $10 collected at the beginning of class.

Last Day to Register: March 10, 2026.

Cancellation Procedure: If you need to cancel attending this class, please send an email to Susan Ettl, Education Committee Chairperson, at SusanE@santaritaart.org in order for her to remove your name from the registration list. This will enable someone on the waiting list to take your spot.

At the studio, there will be someone there to sign people in, give name tags, and collect the material fee of $10.00.

Biography

I began my journey in Art as an oil painter but switched to pastels about 10 years ago. I love the look of a finished pastel painting. I am a representational artist. I have shown and sold in Oregon and at various venue in Arizona, including the Dessert Museum, St Phillips Gallery, CPAC and Santa Rita Art League. At the Santa Rita Art League, I am involved in Oil Painting, Pastels, Portrait Drawing, Figure Drawing, and Plen Aire SIGs. Pastels give me great joy. My hope is that you will enjoy it also.