Beginner Pastel Workshops + Classes

from $240.00

Step into the vibrant world of soft pastels and discover how color, light, and texture bring your artwork to life. This class builds on foundational drawing principles to guide you through essential pastel techniques, including blending, layering, and creating luminous color.

Ideal for: Students with basic drawing skills. Beginning Drawing is recommended, but not initially required.

What you’ll gain:

Confidence working with the pastel medium
Understanding of basic color theory and composition
Your first vibrant, expressive pastel artwork to cherish

Dates to choose from below:

2025 Fall 6-week Mondays - Oct 6 - Nov 10 - 1-3:30pm
2025 Fall 6-week Thursdays - Oct 2 - Nov 6 - 1-3:30pm
2026 Winter 6-week Mondays - Jan 5 - Feb 9 - 1-3:30pm
2026 Winter 6-week Thursdays - Jan 8 - Feb 12 - 1-3:30pm

Class Requirements:

Sessions are in-person held once weekly, on Mondays OR Thursdays (not both) at Mainframe Studios #271 in Des Moines, IA.
Full tuition is required to reserve your spot. Registration is not complete until full payment is received. Please ensure that you are able to attend the sessions as no refunds will be given once class has begun.
Be sure you are able to attend the sessions when you register. Makeup classes will be few and far between due to limited classes and class numbers. Any missed class may be made up during the next session if space allows, but no credit will be given.
See Supply List below.

Ideal for: Students with basic drawing skills. Beginning Drawing is recommended, but not initially required.

What you’ll gain:

Confidence working with the pastel medium
Understanding of basic color theory and composition
Your first vibrant, expressive pastel artwork to cherish

Dates to choose from below:

2025 Fall 6-week Mondays - Oct 6 - Nov 10 - 1-3:30pm
2025 Fall 6-week Thursdays - Oct 2 - Nov 6 - 1-3:30pm
2026 Winter 6-week Mondays - Jan 5 - Feb 9 - 1-3:30pm
2026 Winter 6-week Thursdays - Jan 8 - Feb 12 - 1-3:30pm

Class Requirements:

Sessions are in-person held once weekly, on Mondays OR Thursdays (not both) at Mainframe Studios #271 in Des Moines, IA.
Full tuition is required to reserve your spot. Registration is not complete until full payment is received. Please ensure that you are able to attend the sessions as no refunds will be given once class has begun.
Be sure you are able to attend the sessions when you register. Makeup classes will be few and far between due to limited classes and class numbers. Any missed class may be made up during the next session if space allows, but no credit will be given.
See Supply List below.

Dates:

Supply List

Beginning Pastels | Basic Pastel Class

Tanya Wilhite, Instructor Mainframe Studio #271

Pastel Supply List:

Hard Pastels - Nupastels or Rembrandt (variety of colors and values)
Soft Pastels - Unison, Sennelier, Terry Ludwig, Richeson, Schmincke (variety of colors
and values)
Kneaded Eraser
Chamois or soft cloth (I prefer a chamois)
Paper towels
Wet wipes - to clean your hands periodically
Neutral pastel pencil(s) - for sketch
Sanded, colored pastel paper - cut to 9x12, 11x14 (ArtSpectrum Colourfix,
PastelMat, LuxArchival, Art 400-500 grit, Pastelbord)
Old filbert or flat brush 1/2-1” for softening edges/removing pastel
Old filbert or flat brush 1-2” for underpainting
Glassine sheets - for protecting your painting in transport
Apron - you will get pastel on you :)
Reference photos, iPad
OPTIONAL:
• Workable fixative for soft pastels
• Pastel pencil set
• Sketchbook for notes or thumbnail sketches • Drawing pencil or pen
• Viewfinder
• Reference photo(s)
Materials that will be available for purchase at my studio: • Glassine sheets
• Sanded pastel paper
Pastels & supplies may be purchased online. I suggest getting a small set with a good variety of colors & values until you know what you prefer. Here are a few links.https://www.dickblick.com/categories/drawing/pastels/
https://www.dakotapastels.com/ https://www.jerrysartarama.com/drawing-illustration/pastels
Paper Comparison Chart: https://www.dakotapastels.com/files/pdfs/ PaperComp2023.pdf