Animals in Pastel, 15th Sept 2025
Who knew creating art using pastels could be such fun? Most of group taking part in Carol’s workshop on 15th Sept at the Greenfield Centre didn’t, but she certainly taught us otherwise. Most of the 15 members were novices in their use and feeling rather daunted at the beginning of the day, but in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, Carol explained her love of pastels, the virtues of using certain brands with certain particular surfaces, and how to care for and frame pastel pictures correctly. We were shown how to use trace-down paper and why to use a pastel pencil for drawing outlines instead of a graphite one, and most important of all, how to create a pleasing composition, particularly when taking reference photos.
If we learned nothing else it was how to create a pleasing portrait, whether of an animal or human. It’s all about the eyes and their placement on the page. Another important element is to work with a limited palette, choosing your colours at the outset, and avoid using every colour in the box.
Carol arrived with a colourful array of animal pictures leaving the choice of which one to paint up to each individual. By lunchtime some of us had completed our chosen animal, and had time to begin another. We found out pastels are an immediate medium that is quick to use. Yes, it can be a little messy but with care and correct use, little dust is created and there are no paint brushes to wash afterwards, only your hands. What’s not to love!
At the end of the workshop, which went by far too quickly, Carol had converted many of us to adding them to our repertoire. We all left for home feeling well-pleased and proud of the artwork we had produced, having had an amusing, informative and totally enjoyable day.
We also thank Carol for taking the time to take photographs of our efforts and of the group hard at work.
A few of the many comments received about the day
“I thoroughly enjoy it”
“A good day…enjoyed it”
“Really enjoyed it. I think I am converted to pastels”
“Lovely to try something new”
I have a feeling Carol enjoyed the day too!
FROME VALLEY ART GROUP 
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