Workshops can be wonderful motivators as afterward they inevitably leave you feeling invigorated and inspired. This past weekend The Rockport Center for the Arts held a two-day Enid Wood pastel workshop which was wonderfully stimulating. It was a weekend of many “firsts” for most of her students – first time to paint on highly colored backgrounds, first time to use (and fall in love with) pan pastels, first time using vine charcoal as a problem solver, first time to successfully paint water and rocks and the first time to complete a painting in one day (well, almost). Pan pastels are interesting as they can be used separately or mixed together, similar to oils, and then applied in one glorious swoop leaving a beautiful trail of colors. Try this on black paper – it is so dramatic. Pastels continue to amaze artists everywhere as there are uncountable ways to use them – they truly are the most versatile art medium.
Many thanks go to Enid who was extremely generous with her talent, instruction, painting tips and supplies. She brought a carload of various pastel brands along with a complete set of pan pastels, which she then spread out, for everyone to try. There is nothing better than having a truly ‘hands on’ introduction to a complete product line of art supplies.
Thanks also to The Rockport Center for the Arts which is a beautiful facility set in a spectacular location with the picturesque marina at Rockport Harbor on one side and Aransas Bay on the other side – can’t get any better than that! The following photos are progression shots of the above final painting.
