Did you hear pastels calling from the shelf from the art supply aisle? "Come paint with us!" When those vibrant sticks move over paper, something spectacular happens. It's not just a hue; it's a personality. Even if your last doodle was in the margins of your high school notebook, a pastel course will reawaken your creativity.
At my first go with a pastel, I thought, "Easy, right?" imp source
My pants ended up as modern art. First lesson: messy hands make great art.
Yes, classes begin with the basics, but you can have fun right away. Expect to sketch, blend, and master contrast and form. Have you ever seen someone use their pinky to smooth out a sunset? It’s the artist's secret weapon. Are you worried about how well you can draw? Don't worry about it. Some pupils begin at stick-person level, but by week three, their landscapes are so good even Bob Ross would applaud.
Blending layers of color feels amazing. Layering bright streaks and then mixing them like cake batter till the colors hum. You will try new things, sometimes in crazy ways. Why not blue cows? Of course. Tree trunks can be violet—Van Gogh would approve. Teachers often tell pupils to go off-script, which helps you see beyond “right” and “wrong” in art.
Group feedback is supportive and honest; no one's out to discourage. Once I accidentally made a horse look like a potato, the whole class laughed with me, not at me. The teacher even said it was "potato chic." We put it on the wall to remind us that art can be silly, which is what keeps art playful.
You’ll forget the clock. Life slows down. Pastel sessions become a peaceful ritual, but you’ll have created something unique. Actually, you’ve left a bit of your soul on paper.
Your palms will become colorful proof of effort, your portfolio grows with every session, and your love of vibrant tones reignites by the end of the course. You don't have to be an artist with a beret and a somber look to paint in pastels. Pastels are for anyone craving creative joy. Ready to dive into the mess? Pick up a pastel and start creating.