Exploring Soft Pastel Techniques with Karen Christiansen | belArts Visual Arts School
Weekly at belArts Visual Arts School; 10 x Tuesday afternoons, 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Step into the vibrant world of soft pastels with Karen Christiansen; over ten weeks you’ll learn to control mark-making, layer and blend colour, and develop depth and atmosphere in your work. Suitable for beginners and experienced pastel artists looking to refine technique and experiment with their personal style.
Materials (suggested)
Bring what you already have; build your kit gradually. The most important investments are artist-quality soft pastels and pastel papers.
- Willow charcoal sticks — thin and medium
- 2B or 4B pencil and sharpener
- Putty eraser; paper towel; wet wipes
- Masking tape (≈25mm); Scotch delicate surface (purple) recommended
- A5 sketchbook and a notebook for notes
- Apron; gloves (optional)
- Art Spectrum Colourfix original paper (23x30cm) — minimum 3 white sheets plus colours such as Aubergine, Australian Grey, Fresh Grey, Sand; available individually or in a rainbow pad; view product
- Clairefontaine Pastelmat (24x32cm, white) — 2 sheets; view product
- Glassine sheets for transporting finished work
- Rubbing alcohol and a small empty jar
- Cheap flat brush (No. 8–10)
- Backing board (ply, MDF or gatorboard) approx A3; 2–4 bulldog clips
- Pastel pencils (optional) — softer brands include Bruynzeel, Conté, Caran d’Ache
- Soft pastels — recommended starter brands: Art Spectrum (Australia) or Unison (UK); a useful starter set: Art Spectrum half-stick set (40)
Extensive ranges of pastels and papers are available online at Art Shed Brisbane
Hire option: Basic pastel sets are available to hire for $12 per lesson.
