Landscapes and Seascapes in Pastel with Kevin Scully
Course Description
Creating drama and atmosphere can add another dimension to your paintings, and during this course you will be examining the different techniques that will enable you to produce some exciting and evocative effects. Mood can be established in a variety of ways including lighting, composition, viewpoint, contrast, and by organising a suitable colour scheme. You will be depicting different seasons and weather conditions in our landscape and after a short introduction the tutor will start the morning session by showing students a selection of his own pastel paintings, and some images by other artists. You’ll discuss the various materials available, and any extra tools that are useful when working in soft pastel alongside what you hope to achieve from the course.
There will then be a demonstration by the tutor of a scene that he has chosen to paint, during which he will describe the various techniques used in producing the image. Everyone will be free to paint from the same image or choose their own subject matter from a selection of photographic images. Students are also welcome to bring their own images that can be used as reference material for paintings. There will be several short demonstrations throughout the morning covering specific techniques to help guide you in your paintings.
After lunch, the tutor will begin the afternoon session with another demonstration. Everyone will receive plenty of individual attention throughout the course. At the end of the day, you will assess what has been learned and achieved.
Kevin trained at Wimbledon School of Art, and has worked for many years as a successful illustrator in advertising and publishing. He is an award-winning artist and qualified tutor, and experienced in teaching in all mediums. His tuition is relaxed and supportive, and he encourages students to progress at their own pace, whilst learning new skills, and of course to also have fun.
He writes regular articles for The Artist and Artists & Illustrators magazines, and is the author of several books on painting, including Still Life in Gouache, Drawing and Painting on Location, and Landscape Painting. He has been a winner of the Winsor & Newton Painting Prize, and The Clairefontaine Art Award. He teaches on workshops and painting holidays at home and abroad.
Course Information
Here is a list of basic equipment that you may like to bring with you. Please adjust or amend it as necessary to include any of your favourite materials.
Paper:
A selection on papers/boards in different shades. It’s preferable to buy sheets and cut them to size as necessary. Canson Mi-Teintes is my favourite paper, but there are many other brands available. Other excellent surfaces are boards by Art Spectrum ‘Colourfix’, and Pastelmat, which are also suitable for watercolour washes. Pastel boards are more robust, but more expensive.
Pastels:
Soft pastels come in a huge range of shades and degrees of softness. Good makes are Unison, Schmincke and Sennelier. Cheaper brands are Winsor & Newton and Daler Rowney. I would suggest a mixture of different makes in a variety of shades in the dark, medium and light range of colours. It’s possible to buy pastels in ‘Landscape’ and ‘Portrait’ sets. These are perhaps a good basis for a range of colours, and others can be added as necessary. Inscribe are a good inexpensive make.
You will need a good range of blues, greens, and violets in light, medium, and dark tones, plus a selection of earth colours – ochres, umbers, etc. Also, be sure to bring a few whites/off-whites.
A few ‘hard’ pastels, such as Conte, which can be sharpened with a craft knife or scalpel for more detailed work.
Other Materials:
Torchon for blending colours
Bulldog clips
Wet wipes for cleaning hands
Kitchen towel/tissues
A hog hair brush for removing pastel
A box in which to keep your pastels. A small, cantilevered plastic box, sold for fisherman’s paraphernalia, or a purpose-made art materials box are ideal.
A bag in which to carry your materials
Some extra sheets of scrap paper to place between your board and pastel paper to create a softer working surface
A spray can of fixative
You will need to protect your pastel drawings once completed, interleaving them with sheets of tissue, or sugar paper
Small sandpaper block or sheet of sandpaper for sharpening/shaping pastels
Putty rubber
Provided by Cornwall School of Art if required
- Easels
- Drawing boards
- Water jars
- Pencils
- Erasers
- Rulers
- Scissors
- Clips
kevin scully
Kevin Scully teaches in acrylics, oils, watercolour, pastels and drawing at courses, workshops, and painting holidays in the UK and abroad. He writes regular articles for The Artist, and Artists & Illustrators magazines. He is the author of several books including ‘Still Life in Gouache’, ‘Drawing and Painting on Location’, and ‘Landscape Painting’.
Find Out MoreOur courses usually begin at 10am and end at 4:30pm, with a half an hour lunch break at around 1pm. There will also be brief morning and afternoon breaks, with free tea and coffee available in the kitchen area. At Lunch time you can make things nice and easy by pre-ordering a freshly prepared Coach House Lunch. Alternatively, you’re very welcome to bring along a packed lunch and any other refreshments you like.
On sunny days students and tutors are invited to enjoy breaktimes outside in the leafy courtyard or gardens surrounded by birdsong.
Course Details
Book Course
Please choose ticket type below.
Waiting list
Cancellations
Cancellations must be made in writing/email more than 4 weeks prior to the course start date to guarantee a refund. Read our full policy on the Course Terms & Conditions page.
Related Events