Richard Suckling: Shimmering Seas and Sparkling Harbours in Soft Pastel
£180.00
15th -16th November: 10am - 4pm
Location: Studio based
In this two day workshop we will be using soft pastels to capture light and sparkle on seascapes and harbour scenes. From initial composition, tonal range, mark making and colour choice we will look at the complete process to produce dynamic pastel paintings of these popular subjects. We will discover how to break down these apparently complex scenes into a manageable process that works for both beginners and more experienced pastel painters in creating a successful impression of the motif.
The course will be suitable for all abilities from those trying pastels for the first time to those who are already working with them and looking to further develop their technique.
Matierials / Lunch are not included.
Tea and Coffee and snacks will be provided.
There are cafes and food shops within a short walk of the studio.
Please see below the matierials you will need to bring along.
MATERIALS LIST
Pastels
A basic set of soft pastels. Around thirty or more if you have them. Include a few extra really deep darks, which are vital to my approach to pastel painting. I use Sennelier, Girault and Unison pastels for most of my work, but there are plenty of other really good quality pastels available, which will be absolutely fine for the workshop. Do ensure, however, that the pastels are soft pastels it is better to have a smaller selection of soft sticks than a large selection of harder pastels which are very different and do not have the vibrancy or velvety finish we are after. Half stick sets are also perfectly fine and a more economical way of starting a collection for those who are new to pastels. Sennelier and Rembrandt offer good value half stick sets which are readily available.
Paper
Sanded papers such as Sennelier La Carte pastel card, Uart, Canson Touch or Pastelmat are all suitable for the two days. Personally, I primarily use Sennelier pastel card but any of the ones mentioned above will be fine; I find most artists have a preference for the paper that suits them best. I also tend to use mid-toned papers to work on so I would avoid white or black if possible.
Other equipment
- Small sketchbook and soft pencil or marker pens
- Stiff brush
Richard Suckling studied illustration at Cambridge School of Art and worked for a number of years as an illustrator in London, before heading to the beautiful West of England to pursue a new career as a painter. He works almost exclusively in soft pastels and sells his work worldwide through galleries and privately through his social media pages and WEBSITE.
He enjoys teaching regular workshops, throughout the UK, as well as pastel demonstrations and workshops on-line worldwide. He was one of the faculty members for Pastel Live in 2022, as well as appearing on Art School live with Eric Rhoads, and is currently a member of the advisory board for the Pastel Today website WWW.PASTELTODAY.COM
As well as writing regularly for magazines extolling the virtues of this amazing medium, including The Artist Magazine in the UK, articles on Richard's work have also appeared in Plein Air Magazine in the US, Practique Des Arts in France, Pastel World Magazine in China.