Pastel Landscape Course

What you'll learn

Learn to draw landscapes using pastels with our short art courses in Sydney!

In this Pastel Landscape Course, you will learn to use colour grounds, broken strokes of pastel, and stumped blending techniques to depict both detailed objects and expansive vistas in your artwork.

We will explore pastel techniques employed by French artists Eugène Delacroix, Jean-François Millet, and Edgar Degas, focusing on their methods for capturing small natural objects and broader landscapes.

You will also have the opportunity to apply these techniques during two excursions centred on landscape painting. Students will explore the vibrant and versatile medium of chalk pastels, known for their rich pigments and smooth texture. You will learn to manipulate these soft, powdery sticks to create both subtle gradations and bold strokes, mastering techniques for layering and blending colours. The course emphasises the unique tactile experience of chalk pastels, focusing on their effective use in abstract compositions.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this Pastel Landscape Course, you will be able to:

• Master the manipulation of chalk pastels to create both subtle gradations and bold strokes, exploring techniques for layering and blending colours
• Understand how to leverage the unique texture and properties of chalk pastels to develop effective abstract compositions
• Learn how to generate and implement abstract motifs, applying creative techniques to produce visually compelling artwork
• Gain confidence in your artistic abilities, leaving with completed pieces and preparatory sketches that reflect your newfound skills and creative exploration.

Course Content

What will be covered in this Pastel Landscape Course?

Week 1: Flower Studies in Pastel

Students will bring five different flowers to draw using pastels. This class will cover the basics of pastel techniques.

Weeks 2 and 3: Flower Still Life in Pastel

In pairs, students will arrange a vase and a selection of flowers to create a small still-life composition.

Week 4: Edgar Degas' Early Landscapes of Northern France

We will explore pastel layering techniques in connection to Degas's pastel landscapes from Normandy, France.

Week 5: Excursion to Thornton Park, East Balmain

Students will apply the skills learned in previous weeks to sketch the natural environment.

Week 6: Eugène Delacroix’s Pastel Sunset Sketches

We will delve into pastel layering techniques for capturing sky scenery, inspired by Delacroix's sunset sketches.

Week 7: Eugène Delacroix’s Pastel Landscapes

Students will study and practice pastel techniques used in Delacroix's landscape works.

Week 8: Excursion to the Royal Botanic Gardens

Students will use the skills acquired over the course to sketch the natural environment at the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Intended audience

Who is this Pastel Landscape Course for?

This class is for individuals with some drawing experience who want to learn how to use chalk pastels to sketch landscapes.

Course venue

Rozelle Campus

2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039 (corner of Gordon Street & Victoria Road)

Week 5: Excursion to Thornton Park, East Balmain

Week 8: Excursion to the Royal Botanic Gardens- Meeting at the Woolloomooloo gates.

Course materials

What to bring to class

Faber-Castell Mini Creative Studio Mini Soft Pastels: Please bring the 48-piece box as a minimum. Ideally, you should have the 72-piece box. Having the required pastels is essential for participation in the lesson.

Paper Requirements: You will need the following types of paper, all with a thickness of 175 gsm or above:

• Light brown paper
• Buff paper
• Blue-grey paper

Additional supplies

• Minimum of 4 paper stumps
• Kneadable eraser
• 2 bulldog clips for support
• 5 different flowers: Required only for weeks 1 and 2
• Small cardboard box: Needed only for weeks 2 and 3