Introduction to Chalk Pastel | Jolene Aarbo | Feb 5, 12, 19, 26, 2026 | 1pm - 4pm

Introduction to Chalk Pastels 

Jolene Aarbo

Feb 5, 12, 19, 26, 2026

1pm - 4pm

$195

Essential Pastel Techniques that we will be learning in this course
Tip vs Side: Fine lines vs broad coverage
Blending: Smooth transitions for clouds, skin, gradients
Layering: Build colour depth and complexity
Hatching & Cross-Hatching: Texture and shading
Scumbling: Broken colour for rocks, clouds, trees
Sgraffito: Scratch through layers for fine details
Mixed Media: Alcohol base layers for pastel application

Week-by-Week Curriculum

Week 1 — Introduction + Pastel Basics
Goals: Get comfortable with the medium and learn foundational techniques.
Topics Covered: Types of pastels (soft, hard, pastel pencils), papers & surfaces (Pastelmat vs sanded), blending tools & methods, colour layering (hard → soft → highlight), value basics.
Mini Exercises: Mark-making sampler (hatching, scumbling, feathering), 3-tone sphere, small sky-gradient warmup.
End of Class: Choose your first Vancouver Island project.

Week 2 — Start Project #1
Goals: Learn blocking-in, values, and big shapes.
Techniques: Thumbnail value sketches, underpainting/block-ins, light direction, depth from background → midground → foreground.
Class Work: Begin Project #1. Instructor demos for clouds, water, or tree textures depending on the scene.
Homework (optional): 10–15 minutes refining shapes or adding a second layer.

Week 3 — Colour, Textures & Layering
Goals: Add realism, depth, and texture.
Topics: Colour harmony, warm vs cool tones, edges, controlling pastel dust, texture techniques (driftwood, waves, tree bark, reflections).
Class Work: Finish Project #1, then begin Project #2 if time allows.

Week 4 — Final Details + Optional Third Project
Goals: Finish artworks professionally.
Topics: Focal points, lost & found edges, highlights, signature, fixative use, safe storage/framing.
Class Work: Complete Project #2. Fast students may start a simplified Project #3. End-of-class mini-show + photo session.

Practice Exercise: Dedicate a sketchbook page to a mark-making chart to experiment with each technique.

Vancouver Island Project Options
- Long Beach Tofino Sunset – dramatic sky and wet sand reflections (Beginner, ⭐⭐)
- Cathedral Grove Forest Light Rays – forest light beams, vertical trees, soft edges (Beginner-Intermediate, ⭐⭐⭐)
- Parksville/Qualicum Beach Shoreline with Driftwood – shoreline, driftwood, waves, and subtle highlights (Beginner, ⭐⭐)

Students can complete 2 main scenes; a simplified third is optional for advanced/fast painters.

Supplies Needed
Soft pastels (Unison, Rembrandt, Sennelier half sticks)
Pastel pencils (primary colour set, ocean & earth tones, white, dark brown, black)
Sanded paper (Pastelmat, Canson Velvet, UART)
Kneaded eraser
Blending tools (Sofft tools, sponges, makeup wedges, Q-Tips)
Gloves or baby wipes (optional)
Reference photos (provided by instructor)

This supply list will also be emails upon purchase of class

All classes and workshops are non-refundable. Cancellations made 7 days, or more in advance of the workshop or class date will receive 100% credit. 6 days before class, and no credit will be issued