CREATING CONTRAST WITH PASTEL with Kim Stone

This class will focus on 5 elements:

1.      Learning how to create and control Contrast.
2.      Planning your intention and setting your course.
3.      Learning how to work with reference photographs.
4.      Creating an underpainting.
5.      Mark making and composition.

We will be working from our own reference photos of landscapes or interiors, which can also contain people and objects in them. We’ll learn how not to use photo reference. We’ll learn how to manipulate and enhance photos in LIVE mode on our phone cameras, and how to play with options electronically to create more pleasing Contrast.

Materials list:

1.      Set of pastels of full color and value range (light to dark) of no less that 18 sticks.
2.      Various harder pastels like Nupastels in neutral colors and grays
3.      Small 5.5 x 8.5 sketch book with toned gray or tan paper. (Strathmore is fine)
4.      Drawing board or black gator board. 18 x 18 is a nice size.
5.      Pastel boards or various sheets of pastel paper that can be brushed with wet medium without buckling, such as UArt , PastelMat or CansonVelvet— 9 x 12, 11 x 14, or 12 x 16.
6.      Various landscape or interior photos with good contrast of darks and lights. These should be photos you’ve taken yourself. They may also include people and/or objects.
7.      Something to draw with—Soft vine charcoal; 2 or 3 graphite pencils in the B range, etc.
8.      Kneaded eraser
9.      White artist tape
10.  Wet wipes, paper towels, latex gloves (optional)
11.  Isopropyl alcohol, a few old stiff bristled brushes of different sizes

This class is about learning how to observe in depth to discover Contrast and to use old tools in new ways to enhance it. As always, it’s about discovering your own voice in pastel and learning to find your intention. Ready to loosen up and trust your instincts? Bring your curiosity and a willingness to experiment.

KIM STONE’s 45-year career as a graphic designer and illustrator started out in advertising in Wilmington, DE, and eventually moved to publication with the PHMC, as art director of Pennsylvania Heritage Magazine. She attended Wesley College as an Education major and graduated from York Academy of Art, majoring in Illustration. Kim also studied under Richard McKinley, Liz Haywood-Sullivan and Tony Allain. Kim is a past instructor in portraiture and pastel painting at the Art Association of Harrisburg. She is past president of the Maryland Pastel Society, a member of the Pastel Society of America, the Philadelphia Pastel Society and the Susquehanna Plein Air Painters. Kim presently teaches drawing workshops at Carlisle Arts Learning Center, Carlisle. Her work is represented at the Village Artisans gallery in Boiling Springs, PA.
“Drawing was my first love in graphite and charcoal. When I discovered soft pastels in art school, I fell in love with the ability to draw with them. Later, I learned how to paint with the medium. I’m pleased with the variety of brands, versatility and pure rich color.” -Kim    Visit her website at: kimlackeystone.com