Name: Beyond the Photo: Expressive Pastel Landscapes with Melissa Walton
Start: 2026-02-07T12:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-02-08T16:00:00-05:00
Location: 2016 Staples Mill Rd, Richmond, VA, United States, Virginia 23230

Beyond the Photo: Expressive Pastel Landscapes with Melissa Walton
2-Day Workshop
Saturday, February 7 & Sunday, February 8, 2026, 12pm – 4pm
$250
Click Here to Register and Pay + Supply List
Dive into the vibrant world of soft pastels with this beginner-friendly workshop designed for all skill levels! If you've ever wanted to capture the beauty of nature and move beyond the reference photo, this class is for you. We’ll be painting water, skies, trees, grasses and more!
Soft pastels are a rich, versatile medium known for their intense pigment, velvety texture, and the ability to create both bold, dramatic marks and delicate, luminous effects. They offer a direct, immediate, and incredibly satisfying painting experience. You will leave each day with a completed masterpiece, ready to frame.
Each day will begin with a demonstration and focused exercise to warm up your artistic muscles. Afterward, students can either work from their own reference photos or choose one provided by the instructor.
What You'll Discover:
Whether you're picking up pastels for the first time or looking to refine your technique, you’ll receive step-by-step guidance as we cover the essentials:
Understanding Pastel Materials and Techniques: We'll explore the difference between soft and hard pastels and how to select the best papers to achieve specific effects in your landscape paintings.
Composing with Confidence & Color Manipulation: Learn how to interpret your landscape reference photo by breaking down the composition three values. We'll also explore techniques to manipulate color to achieve atmospheric perspective and a more expressive interpretation of your subject.
Interpreting Reference Photos: Learn how to use technology to your advantage in editing and manipulating your reference photos!
Throughout the session, you'll be encouraged to develop your personal creative style and to interpret the landscape with a new perspective on color. You'll complete your own pastel painting by the end of each day, equipped with the fundamental skills to continue your pastel journey.