South Bristol painter Sally Loughridge will present an expanded schedule of soft pastel classes at the Woodturning School Studio in Damariscotta beginning September 30. There are classes for those new to the medium as well as the more experienced. Loughridge has been teaching soft pastel painting since 2002, first at Round Top and now privately and through the Farnsworth Museum.

Pastel is an inviting, immediate and flexible medium incorporating aspects of drawing and painting. From 9/30 to 10/21 on Tuesday mornings 9 to 12, she will teach "Soft Pastel from the Ground Up - Creating Surfaces and Mixing Media." Guided by demonstration and instruction, students will prepared toned and textured panels and explore a variety of under painting techniques to deepen and enhance painting with soft pastels. There will be ample time for painting each session. Some previous experience with soft pastel painting is recommended.

During these same four weeks on Tuesdays 1 to 4, Loughridge introduces a new class, "The Still Life in Soft Pastel - Volume, Light and Life." The richly hued flowers of fall will be used in conjunction with objects, both crafted and organic. The class will address composition, lighting, perspective, value contrast, color temperature, texture and transparency. We will focus on creating volume, light and atmosphere in our paintings through the distinctive qualities of this medium. Students may paint still life arrangements of their own design. All levels are welcome.

Eight week classes will start on 10/28 and run through 12/16. The Tuesday morning class is "First Strokes - Introductory to Intermediate Soft Pastel Painting." This course provides an opportunity for those new to the medium and continuing pastel painters to explore the use of soft pastel on a variety of surfaces and to learn unique techniques for expressing value, hue, form, temperature and perspective. The weekly format includes demonstration, exercises, tailored individual guidance, lengthy painting time, critique and homework challenges. Repeat students are welcome.

The afternoon eight week class is "Layer and Light - Soft Pastel for the More Experienced Painter." Designed for those practiced in pastel painting who wish to strengthen their work, the class will explore how to create more compelling pastel compositions - harmonious, simplified and expressive. Through demonstration, instruction, exercise and ample time at the easel, students will also enhance their depiction of light and shadow, depth, and mood and improve their ability to identify and address problems. Previous experience with soft pastel painting is necessary.

Loughridge exhibits her work at West Island Gallery, Pemaquid Art Gallery and Archipelago as well as in invitational and individual shows. For more information on the artist, her work and these classes, please visit www.sallyloughridge.com. To receive an email flyer and registration, email her at sloughridge@tidewater.net with "classes" in the subject line.

Labels: Expanded Soft Pastel Painting Classes