Pastel Workshops with Karen Margulis

Wednesday Night Pastel Class....Underpainting

2011-07-21T15:19:00.000-07:00

Wednesday night pastel classes are so much fun! In this class we talked about manipulating wet underpaintings and we used bird nests as our subject matter. I had photos and several real nests to paint from. Everyone did a unique and beautiful nest painting and those wet underpainting helped everyone stay painterly! Join us this Fall for class on Wednesdays either 10-12 or 7-9 pm.

Monotypes with Pastel Mini Workshops in February 2011

2011-02-05T07:51:00.000-08:00

Are you looking to energize your art? Would you like to experiment with new ways to use pastel? Try Monotypes...the liberating medium that combines painting with printmaking. In this four hour workshop I will introduce you to a variety of techniques for creating monotypes. We will learn how to combine our prints with pastels as Degas did for many of his works. No experience needed... just bring your sense of adventure for a fun afternoon of creating. You should bring your pastels but all printmaking supplies will be provided.
When: Saturday February 26 1:00-5:00 OR
Sunday, February 27 1:00-5:00
Where: My home studio in Marietta, Georgia
Cost: $45 plus $10 materials fee
Please email me at kemstudios@yahoo.com for more information or to register for the workshop

Pastel Back to Basics Class Session I Review

2010-09-04T16:19:00.001-07:00

The focus for the last four classes was 'The Planning of a Painting'. We spent two classes just planning the painting and the third week we actually painted but the catch was we had to paint larger than 16x20. This is my finished demo painting 18x24. The first photo shows what we did during the first week. We planned the composition and did value studies for the painting. I have developed a planning worksheet to make this process easier.

Monochromatic Value Study

2010-09-04T16:18:00.000-07:00

After we did our value studies in a thumb nail version we painted a small monochromatic study. The idea was to concentrate only on the values and not to worry about color at this point. That would be the next class!

Color Studies for Larger Painting

2010-09-04T16:17:00.000-07:00

The second week of class we focused on color. We did small color studies each one using a different color scheme. It was fun to explore the way color changed the mood and feeling of the painting.

Week Four .... Painting from our Imagination

2010-09-04T16:16:00.000-07:00

After spending three weeks with our image, we were ready to be finished with it. I emphasized that the planning of a painting doesn't usually take 3 weeks! I usually spend anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour on a painting plan....but by breaking down the steps we now could see just how easy it can be. For the last class of the session, we were now ready to have some fun. So I asked everyone to put their reference photo away and paint our scene from our imaginations. I did this as the demo but I ended up making some changes after class. I decided to turn the yellow flowers into daisies! I really enjoyed this session and look forward to the next 4 weeks when we will explore Underpaintings!

Photos from the Wildflower Workshop

2010-07-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all of my fantastic students for a fun weekend of learning and painting. I enjoyed meeting new students and seeing my regulars! Everyone did some great work and I hope learned more about painting meadows and wildflowers with pastels. I am currently working on the class and workshop schedule for Fall. Please let me know if you wish to be notified of the new schedule. kemstudios@yahoo.com

Wildflowers of Summer...Wildflowers in Pastels Workshop

2010-04-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

'Pick Me a Bouquet' 18x24 pastel

Wildflowers in Pastel Workshop ... June 12 or 13
Just in time for Summer, I am offering a workshop on painting wildflowers with pastels.

About the Workshop
Pastels are the perfect medium to capture the delicate beauty and vibrant colors of wildflowers and the landscape around them. I will offer demonstrations, exercises and individual help at the easel during the four hour workshop. Our emphasis for this workshop is to learn ways of seeing color in wildflowers and their surroundings and how to choose the pastels to help paint these colors.
I will also share techniques for achieving the loose painterly quality to wildflowers and how to make them look like they belong in the landscape. We will learn ways to paint both a field or meadow and a more intimate view of wildflowers. There will then be plenty of time for you to apply these ideas and techniques to your own painting.
Whether you are experienced with pastels or would like to try this exciting medium, consider joining me for this workshop!

I am offering this 4 hour workshop twice in June and the fee is $45. Choose either Saturday June 12 or Sunday June 13. We will meet from 1-5pm in my Marietta, Ga studio.
Enrollment is limited so please email me at kemstudios@yahoo.com to reserve your spot.
I look forward to sharing my wildflower 'secrets' with you!

Pastel Instruction / Classes in the Atlanta Area

2010-02-03T14:51:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for pastel instruction in the Atlanta Georgia area I would love to discuss the many options I offer. From private lessons to weekly group sessions to one day mini-workshops, I offer classes for students of all levels of experience. We meet in my Marietta, Georgia studio. The link to the current schedule of classes is on the sidebar on the right. If you have any questions, please send me an email. I'd love to help you on your journey with pastels!

NEW OFFERINGS FOR SPRING
I have finalized my Spring Pastel Class schedule and have a couple of new and interesting offerings. I know Spring is a busy time but I hope to see you at a class this Spring. Here are the two NEW classes you might want to consider:

1) *Water, Water Everywhere! * Sunday March 21 form 2-4 pm. This is a 2 hour class on painting water. I will show you ways to paint still and moving water, whitewater , waves and reflections. We will do a paint-along and then you are free to stay as long as you wish to work on some water paintings.
The cost for this class is $25. Note that this isn't the usual 4 hour workshop but I will have the studio open for you to stay and paint after the 2 hour class.

2) *Plein Air Success! * Saturday May 8th 9am-5pm. This will be an all day workshop on plein air painting. I will be covering all of the basics for successful plein air painting and we will be painting outside! Details coming soon but this will be a great chance to get ready for our trip out west!
Cost: $65

April Workshops:
Saturday April 17 1-5 pm *Underpaintings*. If you missed the last workshop on underpaintings, you may want to consider this class. $45
Sunday April 18 1-5 *Miles of Canvas...Jumpstart your personal Challenge*. Start a painting challenge and paint, paint, paint! I will have stations set up for you to try some of the more unusual techniques I used in my miles of canvas challenge. A fun and inspirational workshop!

Master Classes are scheduled for Tuesday April 6th, April 27 and May 18th
Back to Basics class followed by Landscape class will continue every Tuesday from 7-9 pm

I am now offering online pastel instruction as well. Click on the tabs at the top of the page for more information.

Painting Shells...Workshop on Sanibel Island

2010-01-04T10:28:00.000-08:00

'Beach Treasure' 11x14 pastel

If you are in SW Florida this January and would like to learn how to paint shells with pastels, join me for my workshop at the Baily-Matthews Shell Museum on Sanibel Island. The workshop will be held on Friday January 29th from 2-4 pm. I am excited about the opportunity to paint at one of my favorite places and to share my love of shells and pastels. If you would like more information, send me an email at kemstudios@yahoo.com

Plein Air Workshop in the North Carolina Mountains

2010-01-03T15:44:00.000-08:00

I am excited to announce my plein air workshop in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. I am planning a fun and informative 2 1/2 day workshop introducing you to the basics of painting en plein air with pastels. The workshop will be held in Murphy North Carolina in the Tri-state area of North Carolina just 20 minutes from Blue Ridge Georgia. Lodging is included in the workshop fee at the wonderful Dancing Bear Cabin. Email me at kemstudios@yahoo.com if you would like more information or to register.

****This workshop is being rescheduled for October 2010, details coming soon!**************

'Everything Pastel' One Day Introduction to Pastel Workshop

2009-12-15T06:59:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wanted to learn how to work with pastels? Or perhaps you have tried and gotten frustrated? Learn everything you need to know to get started with the medium of soft pastels in my informative and fun one day workshop. Through demonstrations and hands-on activities we will cover the basics of pastels from the supplies to basic techniques . ALL SUPPLIES ARE INCLUDED! This is a great opportunity to experience pastels without having to invest in materials. Find out what supplies you really need to have success with pastels. The workshop will be offered three times this winter/spring: Saturday January 23, Saturday March 6, Saturday April 10. We will meet in my Marietta, Georgia studio from 10-5. The fee for the workshop is $75 and materials are included! Email me at kemstudios@yahoo.com for more information or to enroll.

Upcoming Workshop on Winter January 17th

2009-12-14T12:46:00.000-08:00

On January 17th I will be offering a mini workshop on simplifying the winter landscape. It is called 'Winter Magic'. Our focus will be on painting the many moods of winter. We will expand our knowledge of composition and the value of doing notans as we paint simple expressions of the winter landscape. The workshop meets from 1-5pm and is $45. Email me at kemstudios@yahoo.com for more information or to enroll.

Workshop and Class Schedule for Winter/Spring 2010

2009-12-12T17:48:00.000-08:00

I am excited to announce my schedule of pastel workshops and classes for the winter/spring of 2010. I have put together an exciting and fun group of pastel workshops and I hope you will be able to join me for one or more sessions. Each workshop is planned as a self-contained unit which allows you the flexibility to choose the workshops that fit your schedule. I will be offering five options:

Master Class in Pastel - This class will be held once a month on Tuesday evenings from 7-9 pm in my Marietta home studio. The class is $25 for each session. Each class will consist of a lesson and demo relating to a painting concept with time to apply the ideas at your easel. I will be working closely with each student to help them meet their personal painting goals. The class dates are: January 5th, February 2, March 9,April 6th, April 27, 2010
Weekend Afternoon Mini-Workshops - These workshops meet from 1-5 pm at my Marietta home studio and the cost is $45 for each session. I will be offering seven mini-workshops this Winter/Spring. The Saturday sessions are called ‘Pastel Explorations’ and are designed for those who consider themselves at a beginner to intermediate level.. The Sunday sessions are suitable for any level of experience though a familiarity with pastels is helpful. In these sessions, we will explore advanced techniques and painting concepts through a theme.
Everything Pastel Saturday Workshop - This is an all day workshop that is perfect for exploring the medium of soft pastel without having to invest in materials. All the basics will be covered and materials will be supplied. Find out if pastel is a good fit for you in this intense but fun workshop. Class meets from 10-5 and is $75. This workshop is offered Saturday January 23, Saturday March 6, and Saturday April 10th.
Pastel Explorations Weekly Pastel Classes I will now be offering weekly classes in six week sessions. Suitable for any level, small class size allows me to work with each student to help them meet their pastel/art goals. Classes are scheduled for Wednesday mornings from 10-1:00 or Wednesday evening from 7-9. Tuition for morning class is $210 for 6 weeks, Evening class is $150 for 6 weeks.
Pastel Explorations for Children: This six week class is suitable for older children and young adults who wish to learn the basics of painting. We will cover the important concepts of painting such as value, color, perspective,composition, edges using the medium of soft pastel. Supplies included for the first 3 classes. Class will meet Thursday afternoons from 4-6pm. Tuition for the six week class is $160.

Outlined below are the dates and a brief description for the Mini-workshops. Class size is limited so please check your schedule and let me know as soon as possible if you wish to reserve a spot in any of the workshops or have any questions. kemstudios@yahoo.com (770)977-3386

Saturday Mini-workshops Pastel Explorations
Saturday workshops meet from 1-5 pm
*January 16 Pastel Explorations I *: This is an introduction to the world of pastels. We will explore the materials and tools of the trade as well as explore the many ways pastels can be applied. Students will watch demos and do exercises as well as complete a painting.
*March 20 Back to Basics: Painting the Landscape l*: This workshop is suitable for any level of experience with pastel. If you want to paint landscapes or take your landscape painting to the next level, this workshop is for you. Sunday’s workshop will cover different material so would be a perfect combination for out-of-towners .(Sunday’s class meets from 11-3)
*February 27 Pastel Explorations II *: In this session we will continue our exploration of pastels with a focus on color. Using the theme of the Winter Landscape we will learn how to achieve vibrant, rich and clean color with pastels.
*April 17 Pastel Explorations III*: Our exploration of pastel painting continues with a study of underpaintings and how they can help you improve your paintings . Students will learn about several underpainting techniques and have the opportunity to try them. Our theme is the Spring Landscape.

Sunday Mini-Workshops
Sunday workshops meet from 1-5 exceot for March 21 which meets from 11-3
*January 17 Learning How to Simplify II….Winter Magic*. In this session we will learn ways to simplify and abstract the landscape. Our focus will be on painting the many moods of winter. We will expand our knowledge of composition and the value of notans as we paint simple expressions of the winter landscape.
*February 28 Nocturnes...painting night scenes in pastel.* Pastels with their vibrant and rich color really lend themselves to painting night scenes. This will be a fun and unique workshop in which we will explore tips and ideas to capture the evening in both landscapes and vibrant night citiscapes.
*March 21 WATER!! 2-4 pm $25 fee. I will be demonstrating ways to paint all kinds of water and reflections. Studio open for 2 hours after class to allow you time to work on your paintings.
*April 18 Miles of Canvas Variation Challenge Jumpstart:* Have you been wanting to paint more often? Would you like to try a painting challenge but just do not have the time? I would like to help you jumpstart your pastel paintings and start you on the road to accumulating your miles of canvas and meeting your own personal art goals.

Pastel Workshop and Class Schedule for Winter/Spring 2010

2009-12-12T15:22:00.000-08:00

I am excited to announce my schedule for the winter and spring of 2010. I have a few new options for workshops and classes and I will be posting more about them in the upcoming days. The schedule is available on the sidebar to your right. Please email me kemstudios@yahoo.com with any questions or to reserve a spot!

October 2009 Workshop Report

2009-10-23T08:26:00.000-07:00

I spent a wonderful weekend sharing with fellow artists at my two mini workshops. On Saturday six students met for my second introductory class. We focused on color and value and I shared tips for getting clean and exciting color with pastels. We painted pumpkins from black and white photos and had some colorful pumkins. Who said pumkins have to be orange! I have posted my demo paintings above.

Sunday was the mini workshop on painting the Autumn Landscape. The focus of the class was on painting the light....how to get those vibrant fall colors to look as though they are lit by the sun. We used a color wheel to help us choose the right temperature and value to 'paint the light'. I hope that everyone will be able to applythis idea to any subject they choose to paint!

There are still a few openings for my November 21st mini workshop on underpaintings. Send me an email if you'd like more information!

October Mini Workshops

2009-10-07T07:50:00.001-07:00

'Birch Forest' 11x14 pastel

I have been busy preparing for my upcoming mini workshops on October 17 & 18th. On Saturday, I am offering the second part of 'Pastel Explorations' and we will talk about color. My Sunday workshop which is full, deals with painting the Autumn Landscape. I have some great ideas to share and I am looking forward to seeing previous students and meeting the new ones! This painting is on Uart paper with a watercolor underpainting. I only used my Richard McKinley set of Great Americans with just a few additions from my big box. The more I use this set the more I am loving it!

Wildflower Workshop Review

2009-09-02T06:20:00.000-07:00

Ten students joined me on a soggy Sunday for an afternoon of learning and painting. Everyone left the workshop after four hours with two wonderful paintings. I was so pleased with how well everyone did. I split the time up into two parts...the first half we concentrated on painting a meadow and ways to add wildflowers to a field without them looking cartoonish or stiff. The second half we worked on more intimate landscapes and painted 'portraits' of wildflowers. It was a great day to spend with my fellow artists! Here are a few comments from my students:

"I had to tell you how much I enjoyed the workshop yesterday. You did an excellent job preparing and teaching. I learned so much"

It was so much fun as I knew it would be! Everything was perfect-the class, your friends, the food. When I read your blog I always think- I want to know them they are having the best time ever and it's true! I would like to take your shell/ocean class(Nov.22) if you have an opening for it. Happy Painting

Fall 2009 Workshop Schedule

2009-08-17T11:17:00.001-07:00

It’s hard to believe school is back in session. It’s time to think about Fall plans already. I have put together an exciting and fun group of pastel workshops for Fall and I hope you will be able to join me for one or more sessions. Each workshop is planned as a self-contained unit which allows you the flexibility to choose the workshops that fit your schedule. This Fall I will offer two options:

1) Master Class in Pastel - This class will be held on alternate Tuesday evenings from 7-9 pm in my Marietta home studio. The class is $25 for each session and is available on a drop-in basis. Class will be held as long as two students can attend. Each class will consist of a lesson and demo relating to a painting concept with time to apply the ideas at your easel. The first class is tentatively scheduled for September 22. Please let me know if you wish to be included on my email reminder list for the Tuesday evening classes.

2) Weekend Afternoon Mini-Workshops - These workshops meet from 1-5 pm at my Marietta home studio and the cost is $45 for each session. I will be offering six mini-workshops this Fall. The Saturday sessions are called ‘Pastel Explorations’ and are designed for those who are new to pastels or who want to review the basics of pastel painting. The Sunday sessions are suitable for any level of experience though a familiarity with pastels is helpful. In these sessions, we will explore advanced techniques and painting concepts through a theme. (details below)

Outlined below are the dates and a brief description for the Mini-workshops. Class size is limited so please check your schedules and let me know as soon as possible if you wish to reserve a spot in any of the workshops. Email or call me at (770)977-3386 if you want to hold a spot or have any questions.

Saturday Mini-workshops Pastel Explorations

September 19 Pastel Explorations I : This is an introduction to the world of pastels. We will explore
The materials and tools of the trade as well as explore the many ways pastels can be applied. Students will watch demos and do exercises as well as complete a painting.

October 17 Pastel Explorations II : In this session we will continue our exploration of pastels with a focus on color. Using the theme of the Autumn Landscape we will learn how to achieve vibrant, rich and clean color with pastels.

November 21 Pastel Explorations III: Our exploration of pastel painting continues with a study of under paintings and how they can help you improve your paintings . Students will learn about several under painting techniques and have the opportunity to try several.

Sunday Mini-Workshops

September 20 Learning How to Simplify….Painting the Marsh. In this session we will learn ways to simplify and abstract the landscape. Our focus will be on painting the many moods of the marshes. We will do a large painting and have fun getting down to a simple expression of a marsh scene.

October 18 Fall Color- Painting the Autumn Landscape in pastel. If the colors of Autumn inspire you, come and learn ways to capture the color with pastels. We will use the color wheel to learn ways to paint the light as well as keeping those bright colors from looking garish or too washed out.

November 22 Pastel & Mixed Media II: If you missed the first mixed media and pastel workshop on water lilies then you won’t want to miss this one! We had a great time trying two new techniques and the fun continues in this session with a focus on painting shells and the seashore. We will try two more new techniques in this session.

Wildflower Workshop

2009-08-12T13:43:00.000-07:00

'Barefoot Meadow' 11x14 pastel

I am gearing up for my Wildflower Mini-Workshop which will be held on Sunday August 30th. I have two spots left so let me know if you would like to join us. I am looking forward to sharing some ideas on painting wildflowers and meadows. I just got three new books about wildflowers and I am enjoying reading about them. Look for me to share some fun tidbits in my upcoming wildflower posts.

Pastel and Mixed Media Workshop July 12

2009-06-27T05:35:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of paintings I've done in preparation for my workshop on pastels and mixed media. The top one is watercolor and pastel and the bottom one has ink drawing and washes as an underpainting. I am having so much fun getting ready to share some new techniques at the workshop. Registration is first come first served and I have a couple of spots open. Email me if you are interested in joining us!

Mini Workshop July 12, 2009 'Painting Water Lilies'

2009-06-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

'Water Play' 8x10 pastel

I will be offering a summer mini workshop at my Marietta, Georgia studio on Sunday July 12, 2009. We will meet from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm. The cost of the workshop is $45 and will include the cost of some supplies we will be using. The subject of this workshop is 'Water Lilies: A Multi Media Approach to Pastels'. The workshop will coincide with the Monet Water Lily exhibit at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. Hopefully we will be inspired to try our own version of water lilies. In this workshop we will be letting go of our usual methods of working and trying new approaches to pastel. It should be fun and liberating! There will be demos and as I usually do, I will work in art concepts that will help us improve our paintings. Come prepared to get messy and play!

If you would like more information or would like to sign up for the workshop please send me an email.

About my Classes and Workshops

2009-06-19T05:40:00.000-07:00

I offer small group and private lessons in pastel at my Marietta, Georgia home studio. Join me for continuing classes which consists of exercises and challenges to help you stretch your painting muscles as well as information devoted to the basics of painting and pastels. We explore the exciting medium of soft pastel and learn how to get them to work for you.

Classes will benefit students of all levels of experience. The lessons incorporate the basic principles of painting while introducing techniques of the pastel medium. All that is required is the desire to explore pastels in a fun and supportive environment and supportive environment!

Please contact me for more information. I would love to help you on your art journey!