'Soft Pastel & More' Classes:
My classes are held at the Maniatoto Community Arts Centre, 3 Reade St, Ranfurly, Central Otago. (Easy to find - painted turquoise with orange trim) Free WIFI and parking. Door opens at 9am.
Join my classes to learn more about handling these gorgeous sticks of immediate glowing or subtle colour. Pastel has been used for centuries, it is one of the most original art materials in the world and has survived the test of time.
Quality pastels can be layered, scumbled or hatched, they don't fade. You can bring your inspirations alive with soft (I call them pure pigment pastels) pastel - adding water or Isopropyl Alcohol if desired, so many effects can be created with layering. Soft pastels work well over watercolour, gouache, inks, Inktense and thin acrylic washes. Compressed charcoal also works well, either as a strong initial drawing, with or without washes, or with soft pastel. I don't use a lot of fixative but it can be handy during the process.
I prefer my pupils to paint from their own images in class, no Ai or photographs by another person.
You invest your time and money coming to my art classes, I invest my art experience in you.
I am grateful to have many 'regulars' attending class, we are a friendly bunch and there is always a cake!
Class maximum 10, minimum 7.
We will invest 15 minutes daily in drawing a simple subject from life, then work on a 'Skill Builder' subject - optional. This is a new subject each class. (grasses, clouds, trees, eyes, water, hair, reflections etc)
PLEASE APPLY to join my classes by emailing 6 images of your recent drawings and/or paintings, along with a short statement of your creative goals and what you hope to learn from me, to [email protected]
On acceptance, please print and sign the attached Three Promises.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Accommodation in Ranfurly:
The Ranfurly Holiday Park is over the road from the Art Centre; or try Trout & Trail B& B, Ranfurly; The Waipiata Hotel; Waipiata Lodge; The Cottage @ Patearoa (Holidayhomes.co.nz); Hawkdun Lodge Motel, Ranfurly; Kokanga Lodge, Kokonga; Ranfurly Motel; various Air BnB's and holiday homes in the Naseby and Ranfurly area. Accommodation, travel and meals not included in the class fee.
Saturday evening meal:
We enjoy gathering for dinner at the Waipiata Hotel at 6pm for dinner. I reserve the large table in the Breakfast Room which sat 10. Dinner is your own choice and cost.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.
RANFURLY SOFT PASTEL CLASSES 2025 - from 9.30am - 4.30pm. Doors open for setup from 9am.
Subject - your choice - something that moves you, that you know and love - from your own images.
These friendly and informative weekend classes will help you with painting composition and soft pastel technique.
After introductions, and 15 minutes simple drawing time from life, there will be 'Skill Builders' .
April 25th, 26th & 27th 2 vacancies
May 24th & 25th CLASS FULL
August 23rd & 24 CLASS FULL
September 20th & 21st CLASS FULL
October 24th, 25th & 26th CLASS FULL
November 22nd & 23rd CLASS FULL
note: where a class is full, I am happy to take names on the wait list. Please email me.
* Class fee $200 per weekend class, $300 per three day class, payable in full 7 days before class. Details on the materials list.
* Full refund or fee transferred to another month if the class cannot go ahead.
* No refund for non-attendance.
Note: Standing easels and tables are provided. Morning & afternoon tea are provided ( if you have other dietary needs, you could bring your own or there are supermarkets nearby)
Class limited to 10 pupils maximum, 7 minimum
Materials list below:
Materials List - please click on this link
I am an Associate Artist of Unison Colour Pastels - I have stock of these gorgeous handrolled pastels for purchase at my workshops @$9.80 a stick, along with assorted Art Spectrum Colourfix paper, full sheets, $17 per sheet.
View Unison Colours here.
For more info please contact Julie: [email protected]
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Happy feedback from pupils:
Thanks so much Julie. I really enjoyed your workshop and am always seeking to improves so I'm keen to see those hints and tips. (Lynette)
Rachael's travel pastel box.