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Three wonderful artists joined me in a three day pastel painting workshop on August 9-11, 2006. The weather was glorious and perfect for our time together.
The artists ranged in experience from beginner to intermediate. Though they had previously worked in various mediums including graphite, oils, watercolor, and marker, none of them had experience with pastels and were eager to learn. They came with open minds and enthusiastic attitudes. We spent our days learning about and experimenting with pastels, discussing and sharing our art, and most importantly painting...a lot! |
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Pastel Painter's Workshop August 2006  Brenda's studio home in Dixmont, Maine was the location for the 3 day workshop. |
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 We talked about art, listened to music, lunched in the open air, painted pastel still lifes, landscapes, and florals and the best part was when we were done creating, we enjoyed and complimented each other's work. A wonderful and inspiring group. Enjoy their artwork. |
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| Day One involved choosing pleasing compositions and learning how to handle a new medium. |  |
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Each participant set up a still life and painted individually. |
| Pears, eggs, and various props were chosen to begin our introduction to soft pastels. |  |
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| Day One Work |
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| Day One Crew
From left Helene, Jane, Tonya, Brenda |
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Day Two was spent at Windswept Gardens in Bangor, Maine where Tracy graciously welcomed us to paint her beautiful gardens. Thank you Tracy. |
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| Jane and Tonya decided on an inspiring spot and set to work. |
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| Helene discovered a lily and began painting. |
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She painted with pure pigment surrounded by color. |
| We all were interested in the process and shared in the pleasure. |
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| Day Two Work
Look at all we accomplished. |
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| Day Two Crew A physically weary but very happy group feeling the tremendous satisfaction of a day of creating art. |
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Day Three found us in the fields of The Peacemeal Farm here in Dixmont. My neighbor and farm owner Mark and his apprentices harvested the crops, while we painted the views. Thanks to Mark. |
| Tonya and Helene discussed the challenges of painting en plein air. |
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 Jane found inspiration in my back yard among the tall sunflowers. |
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Tonya and Helene gathered some of the same sunflowers to paint inside. |
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| Day Three Work
Done both inside and out. |
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| Day Three Crew We accomplished so much in our three days together. Not only did we paint, but we celebrated each other's individual talents and established lasting bonds as we continue to go forth and create! |
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Feedback from participants along with some of their workshop pieces. |
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| "Good variety of topics. Good feedback-very positive and helpful. Excellent lunches...great setting" |
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"Lunch was great! Liked the times. Encouraging words. Very quiet and peaceful." |
"The workshop was flexible. Helpful suggestions. I loved the plein air painting! Instructor put a lot of energy into teaching and kept positive energy flowing." |
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"I truly have not stopped thinking about painting." |
| "Your workshop was so much fun!" |
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"I wanted to tell you how inspired I continue to be and have been working with the pastels every day." |
 These ladies weren't the only ones inspired. My heartfelt thanks goes to Helene, Jane, and Tonya for making this a wonderful first workshop. I look forward to many more.  Photos by Brenda Ferguson and Lucas Ferguson |
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