Learning Soft Pastels

Pastel Workshop with Mandy Ellard

Join us for an inspiring Soft Pastel Workshop with celebrated artist Mandy Ellard, whose vibrant and expressive work captures the beauty of light and nature. This two-day immersive experience will run from October 17-18, from 9 AM to 4 PM each day, offering the perfect opportunity to deepen your understanding of pastel techniques while developing your unique artistic voice.

Mandy will guide participants through key elements of pastel artistry, including color theory, layering techniques, and creating dynamic compositions. Whether you're a seasoned artist or new to pastels, Mandy’s approachable teaching style ensures that you'll leave with new skills and renewed confidence in your abilities.

Cost: $200 per person.

Space is limited, so secure your spot today for this extraordinary opportunity to learn from one of the region’s finest pastel artists!

Supply List

You are welcome to bring supplies you already own or purchase the items you need using the links below.

• Pastels: Any soft pastel brand; a set of at least 60 with a good range of light and dark values. Please also bring some hard pastels. Individual Cretacolor or NuPastel colors may include bottle green, umber, black, gray, and Prussian blue.

• Sanded surface: mounted or boards.  320 - 400 grit

• Fixative (Optional): A workable fixative like Latour, Lascaux, or Blair

• 91% rubbing alcohol

• Charcoal sticks for drawing

• Drawing pad

• B (soft) pencils

• Kneaded eraser

Purchasing Your Supplies

Don't have everything on the list? We've made it easy to gather what you need.

Available at Ethotera: Click the linked products below to add them to your cart. Workshop registration and supply purchases are processed separately through Wix and will require two separate checkouts. Pre-ordered supplies will be ready for pickup at the studio before the workshop.

• Sennelier 80 Half-sticks Plein Air ($162)

• Art tape (black)

• Fixative

• Charcoal

• Drawing pad

• B (soft) pencils

• Kneaded eraser

Available at Blick: Items we don't currently carry can be purchased through the links below. These are affiliate links, which means Ethotera may earn a small commission from your purchase at no additional cost to you.

• Unison 63 half sticks Plein Air (approx $185)

• UART sanded papers

Other supplies will be provided:

• Table top easels

• Black foam board

• Tracing paper

• Soft paint brushes

• Pipe insulation

Explore Mandy’s work for inspiration: https://www.mandyellardart.com/