"What I do is the result of reflection and study....... of inspiration, spontaneity, temperament, I know nothing" - Edgar Degas

Pastel painting is as colorful and vigorous as any method of painting. It is a dry medium, and its powdery surface increases the refraction of light, so pastel paintings emit an intensity of colour unchallenged by any other mediom. It's dry nature is very useful as there is no need to wait for paintings to dry, colour is applied directly. It can outlast oil paint because it has no oil or varnish to yellow and crack with age.

The basic course of ten classes will help the student to learn:

• The medium and the materials;
• the colour theory and the uses of the colour wheel;
• tonal values and importance of arial and linear perspectives in painting;
• mixing of different colours outside and on the painting;
• using different implements to create effects;
• how to paint.

Oil pastels on paper

With oil painting, the artist mixed colours on the palette more than on the support itself, this extra stage is eliminated by working with pastels, in which the colours are applied and mixed directly on the support.

A simple landscape or still life will be done on paper by students which will help in assessing their capabilities.