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Colorful Skies in Pastel

with Renee Leopardi

All registrants are required to attend the first class of a series. If absent, your spot will be given to the next in line on the Waitlist.

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Learn how to paint dramatic skies! Having the Atlantic Ocean at our doorstep allows us the privilege of seeing some amazingly colorful skies. Whether we are painting a softly subtle sky or a storm filled sky, you'll learn how to carefully layer your pastels to create luminosity and the desired texture and softness in the clouds. Students may work from their own favorite photographs or paint along with Renee. All levels welcome.

Suggested Supply List:

Painting Materials

Paper

~ I highly recommend working on a sanded paper/board, as regular drawing/multi-media paper does not have the proper tooth to hold the pastel. Painting on it can become frustrating and it will not allow you to layer colors. There are a variety of colors usually available with each brand. The color is up to you. The color of the surface will be addressed during lessons.

• Ampersand Board
• Art Spectrum Colourfix
• Art Spectrum Smooth
• La Carte (however, this brand is not suited for wet underpaintings)
• PastelMat
• Pastel Premier
• Uart (my personal “go-to” brand)

Equipment

• Large drawing board (Gatorboard or sturdy foam core will do)
• Easel

~ A tabletop easel is ok, however, I work standing and highly recommend students stand as well (unless, of course, you are not physically able to stand for long periods). You must be able to prop your board upright. Working flat causes a variety of messes from paint on your clothing to “making mud” on your painting.

Miscellaneous

• Artists Tape or clips  (Needed to attach your paper to the drawing board)
• Wet wipes (I prefer Huggies. Please do not use household cleaning wipes such as Clorox wipes, as these are harsh on your skin.)
• Plastic gloves or a barrier cream such as Gloves in a Bottle
• Notebook/drawing pad for notes
• Stiff bristle paintbrush
• Any photographs you would like to use

~ Please note: Unfortunately, the pastel products I recommend are not readily available in the local craft stores (Michael’s, AC Moore, Hobby Lobby). While these stores have pastel products, the papers do not have a proper tooth, and the pastels are very hard to use and will limit what you can achieve.  Almost everything I use is purchased online.

The sites I use and compare prices between are:

• Amazon.com
• DickBlick.com
• CheapJoes.com
• JerrysArtarama.com
• Fineartstore.com and
• DakotaPastels.com

Chart of Pastels by Softness/Brand

The following chart was created by Dakota Pastels, with #1 being rated the Softest.

#1 SCHMINCKE
#2 GREAT AMERICAN
#3 BLUE EARTH
#4 SENNELIER
#5 UNISON
#6 TERRY LUDWIG
#7 DIANE TOWNSEND SOFT
#8 TOWNSEND TERRAGES
#9 TOWNSEND THINLINE
#10 DALER-ROWNEY
#11 GIRAULT
#12 MOUNT VISION
#13 REMBRANDT
#14 ART SPECTRUM
#15 HOLBEIN
#16 NUPASTEL
#17 FABER-CASTELL
#18 CRETACOLOR

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