OIL PASTELS
8/3/2026 TO 9/13/2026
WEDNESDAY WITH INSTRUCTOR JOANNE FUNKHOUSER
6 TO 9PM
 
Discover the vibrant world of color through oil pastel drawing. Oil pastels have been celebrated by artists such as Rembrandt, Mary Cassatt, and Edgar Degas for their rich color and expressive qualities. In this course, students will learn foundational oil pastel techniques including blending, layering, succumbing, sgraffito, and pushing color. Through demonstrations and hands-on projects, students will explore color theory, texture, and composition while creating vibrant drawings that showcase the unique possibilities of this medium.
 
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
 
Set of basic, artist-grade oil pastels
Colorful drawing paper (Canson large)
Small mixed media personal sketchbooks
Fixative
Soft rags or paper towel
 
Week 1: Introduction to Oil Pastels
Materials and workspace setup
Understanding oil pastel properties
Mark-making exercises
Color mixing and blending techniques
Create a simple color study
 
Week 2: Layering and Color Relationships
Building depth through layering
Warm and cool colors
Value and contrast
Small still-life drawing focusing on color and form
 
Week 3: Texture and Surface Techniques
Sgraffito (scratch-back technique)
Scumbling and broken color
Using sandpaper and textured surfaces
Create a landscape or abstract composition emphasizing texture
 
Week 4: Drawing from Observation
Composition basics
Translating observation into color
Creating depth and focal points
Complete a still-life or floral drawing
 
Week 5: Personal Project Development
Planning a finished artwork
Individual guidance and critique
Begin final project using learned techniques
 
Week 6: Final Project Completion and Critique
Complete final oil pastel artwork
Applying fixative and presentation tips
Group critique and discussion
Review of techniques and future directions