Ages 15-adult
10 student capacity
Whether you're picking up pastels for the first time or looking to deepen your artistic practice, this engaging and beginner-friendly workshop is the perfect way to explore the luminous world of soft pastels (not oil pastels). Join us for a full day of creative learning, inspiration, and connection at Inspired Minds Art Center!
Under the guidance of artist and educator Donna Knapp, participants will gain a solid foundation in pastel painting, from understanding materials and basic techniques to exploring composition, color theory, and layering methods. Through step-by-step instruction, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises, you’ll learn to:
-Choose and crop reference photos for strong compositions
-Understand and use value, temperature, and chroma effectively
-Create dynamic underpaintings using an alcohol wash
-Build pastel layers thoughtfully without overworking
-Apply principles of perspective, shape blocking, and tonal contrast
Throughout the day, you’ll also be introduced to inspiring contemporary pastel artists and explore subject matter ranging from landscapes and still life to florals, cityscapes, and abstract compositions.
Each participant will leave with a completed pastel painting and a deeper understanding of this expressive medium.
About the Instructor: Donna Knapp is an accomplished artist with over 30 years of experience in the arts, specializing in both jewelry design and pastel painting. Her current work focuses on creating vibrant pastel artworks, and she continues to expand her expertise through workshops with renowned pastelists. Donna brings a strong background in teaching, having served as an adjunct professor for five years at St. Edward’s University, instructing both undergraduate and graduate students. She is passionate about artistic growth, community engagement, and creating welcoming spaces for creative exploration.
You may also like the following events from Inspired Minds Art Center:
Also check out other
Arts events in Buda,
Fine Arts events in Buda,
Workshops in Buda.
