Hello out there and welcome to Oil Pastel for the Curious Beginner! This course will be a step-by-step, absolute-start-to-absolute-finish journey in creating a realistic oil pastel drawing, using a photo reference of a green and red apple on blue cloth. We will begin by walking through what materials and set-up are necessary, then we will briefly get into a good mindset for this class. I will also introduce you to the basics of how light and shadow behave on a spherical object as a way of understanding the why behind which colors we use where, and how we apply them. Following that, I will walk you through how to draw your image using a simple, accurate measuring technique. Then we will start the color process by experimenting with layering different blues to match the various background colors, followed by a slow walk-and-talk-through of how to apply those colors to replicate the background realistically. After that we’ll continue on with the shiny, hard, variegated surface of the apple, following the same routine of a single rudimentary layer followed by more specific and nuanced subsequent layers. With each layer, we will become more focused on the realistic effects we want to recreate by using different techniques to achieve the texture and colors unique to the apple. Nearing the end, we’ll adjust the area around the stem to be as finished as possible, then we’ll add colors for the small, sharp stem itself. Once all of these individual steps are completed, we’ll take a last look around, identify any areas we want to rework or augment, and then lastly, we’ll go through how to add an optional signature. In this class, I address many of the frustrations and confusions that have come up most often with my students over the years. From idiosyncrasies around the oil pastels themselves, to how to layer, remove and layer again for different effects, to creating different types of edges and textures and blends, we will spend time de-mystifying the process. Through all of this, I hope to help you discover how drawing with oil pastel, like any skill, can be learned and continuously improved if it is approached with an attitude of openness and understanding that time, patience, education, dedication and practice are needed. If you have those in your wheelhouse, then you can learn to draw and feel gratified and proud of your process and your product. Thank you sincerely for joining me in this class. I hope you find as much joy in your drawing as Ifind in teaching it.
