Ideal for beginners who enjoy color or intermediates who want to fall in love again with soft pastels.

Breathe life into ordinary still lifes with luscious, soft sticks of pastels. Paint vibrant, strong forms with intriguing textures. Learn how to layer rich hues and create multicolored backgrounds. Become expert at defining the light and shadow of three dimensional forms. Experience different techniques like feathering, glazing, scumbling, pushing and painting.

I will demonstrate each day and provide one-on-one attention. Plan on completing two pastel paintings. We will discuss materials, techiniques and have helpful critiques.

All levels welcome, but some experience with the soft pastel medium preferred, so start practicing now if you are a beginner.

• Assorted colors: soft pastel set by Sennelier, Rembrandt, Unison or Ludwig. Minimum 18 colors; max 40
• Assorted colors of sanded pastel papers by Art Spectrum, Mitiennes, or Wallis: 9.5" x 12.5"
• Color wheel approximately 8 1/2" in diameter
• One large sheet of glycine paper. 6" x 9" sketchbook
• Soft lead pencil and a charcoal stick
• One piece I/4" black foamcore board cut into four 12" x 15" pieces
• Roll of 3/4" black tape and a painter's rag
• Bag lunch

Objectives:

COMPOSITION ensures the success of your painting. Point of view, proportions, and placement of shapes lead the viewer into your picture.

CHARACTER: Each tree and cloud type has its own character. We will spend time with the most common tree shapes and cloud formations.

COLOR establishes the mood of your piece and creates dynamic punch.

Interpreting a landscape requires understanding of skies and trees. When you master some basics, you can be more free with color and style.

In 'Big Skies and Powerful Trees' day one, we will take a short period to practice the construction of clouds from "giant, big-country clouds" to receding clusters of "cotton ball clouds". We will experiment with creating cloud patterns and then setting a mood with dynamic colors. We will work on a final piece.

In day two, we will focus on the unique nature of a single, powerful tree and the impressionistic appeal of masses of groves and forests. Book-cover effects, playful styles and dramatic compositions will be topics. You can work from photo references brought from home or select from my collection.

I will demonstrate each day and provide one-on-one attention. Plan on completing two pastel paintings. All levels welcome, but some experience with the soft pastel medium preferred, so start practicing now if you are a beginner and take pictures of your favorite trees and skies.

• Sanded pastel paper — 16 x 20-2 sheets, white or medium shades
• Soft pastels — at least 90 — include some very soft, like Sennelier or Terry Ludwig
• Color wheel and grey scale
• Mount pastel paper on foam core boards with tape and cover with glysine paper
• Sketch book with black sharpee marker- medium point
• Bag lunch

Objectives:

COMPOSITION ensures the success of your painting. Point of view, proportions, and placement of shapes lead the viewer into your picture.

CHARACTER: Each tree and cloud type has its own character. We will spend time with the most common tree shapes and cloud formations.

COLOR establishes the mood of your piece and creates dynamic punch.

Focus on your own style. Develop new works or redo the old.

With the help of lively class discussions, you will:

• Explore your impact on the viewer.
• Identify and strengthen the positive qualities in your work.
• Review and practice working with the elements of art and pastel techniques.
• Discuss and develop new ideas.
• Find out more about your personal message as an artist.
• Observe technique approaches with instructor demos.

Classes will be a combination of personal review and technique development. Level is intermediate with focus on the areas you want to strengthen in your work. Projects will be offered to give you added experience in working toward your goals.

"I have pastel paintings that I am very fond of but still sense they have some problems. Having a team of discerning artists looking for those problem areas and offering ways to resolve them is a priceless learning tool to me. This class is designed to provide a similar experience for you" Liz Kenyon

Student, Martha Goodrich, says: "I have taken several workshops with Liz kenyon. Not only is she a superb artist herself, but she is willing to impart her knowledge to others. In her workshops, Liz emphasizes composition and basic drawing skills and then comes the pièce de résistance—COLOR.

I get a lot out of watching her do demonstrations. You truly stretch beyond your comfort zone in her workshops. She is very supportive and non-confrontational...and FUN. The atmosphere (vibe) in the classroom is very positive."

• Sanded pastel paper — 12" x 18", 1-2 sheets per class, white or medium shades
• Soft pastels — at least 90 — include some very soft, like Sennelier or Terry Ludwig
• Color wheel and grey scale
• Mount pastel paper on foam core boards with tape and cover with glysine paper
• Sketch book with black Sharpee® marker, medium point

Objectives:

COMPOSITION: Work with simple shapes and a clear value plan.

CHARACTER: Express style with interesting strokes and contrasting lighting effects.

COLOR: Direct the viewer by using calm or exciting colors. Determine/Express a mood.