Recreating a Realistic Image from a Photograph

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The skills you will gain in this class:

How to draw a simple scene with pastel
Accurate measuring techniques
Coloring and shading with pastel
How to add rich textures and details
How to add finishing touches that make the image stand out
Improving drawing accuracy

This class is a welcoming introduction to pastel still life drawing, created for complete novices who want to gain practical skills while also exploring the artistic side of drawing. Our goal is to strike a balance between mechanics—accurate measuring, shading, and layering—and cultivating an interpretive mindset that helps you “find the art in art-making.”

We’ll begin with a look at the simple materials you’ll need and how to set up your workspace. From there, we’ll carefully measure our subject to create a realistic framework, then walk step by step through shading, blending, and layering pastels to achieve depth, light, and natural texture. Along the way, we’ll discuss what details to focus on, what to let go of, and how to bring out the spirit of the subject without overcomplicating the process.

In this class, you’ll learn how to:

•Choose and set up pastel materials for success

•Measure accurately to achieve realism in still life subjects

•Apply shading and layering to create value and depth

•Explore both soft and hard edges for dimension and texture

•Develop an artistic mindset that allows for creativity and interpretation

By the end of this concise yet thorough class, you’ll have a finished pastel still life drawing and a toolkit of foundational skills you can carry into future projects. More importantly, you’ll gain confidence in both the technical and creative aspects of drawing—learning to embrace precision while also trusting your artistic intuition.

Melanie Leger

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