Materials list: Pastel masterclass with Robert Dutton
Thank you for registering for our live Painters Online pastel masterclass with Robert Dutton.
Ahead of the live session on Thursday 18 April 2024, you can access Robert's suggested materials list and reference photograph.
Suggested materials
Pastels
Hard and soft pastels (Robert highly recommends Unison Colour and Rembrandt pastels)
- For those new to pastels, half-stick sets are a good option, available from Unison Colour or Inscribe pastels (72 set)
- Please prepare a combination of light and dark colours to create your pastel painting. Look at the photograph as reference and choose accordingly. Don’t forget to get some darks! Robert recommends the Unison Colour ‘Midnight Set’, along with deep earth colours too
- Mauve pastel colours both hard and soft. Light, mid and dark. (Robert will use a mauve Rembrandt hard pastel as a light to medium colour to initially draw out the composition)
Paper
- Clairefontaine Pastelmat 350gsm Anthracite Grey 50 x 70cm full sheet (you can use a smaller size if preferred)
Alternative options:
- Canson Mi-Tientes ‘Touch’ 350gsm pastel paper 50 x 65cm - black
- Art Spectrum Colourfix sheets 340gsm 50 x 70 cm
- Sennelier La Carte pastel card 360gsm 30 x 40cm
Other materials
Pastel fixative (aerosol) - any brand (but not hairspray, as it will crack and yellow your pastel painting in the long term)
Notes from Robert ahead of the masterclass
- Be prepared to break your pastels and remove all the wrappers - you will get the full use of the pastels if you do - not just the tips of the pastels
- Work in a ventilated area or have access to one. Robert will be using the properties of fixative to build up layers during the masterclass
- Work in an upright position on a vertical easel (if possible). Place a dust sheet on the floor! It's easier to fold up and to dispose of any pastel dust and fragments cleanly and efficiently afterwards
- If you want to draw out the composition beforehand please do, but don’t be heavy-handed with your pastel. A light touch is highly recommended.
- Clean your pastels and organise into colour coordinated groups. This will make the pastel painting experience for you much more relaxing and easy to follow.
Remember - It’s 90% preparation and 10% application! I really look forward to teaching you some great pastel techniques on this exciting and creatively inspiring workshop - Robert Dutton
Reference photograph: Swaledale Barns
To view or download the photograph, please click the button below.
Masterclass information
- The masterclass will take place on Zoom and will last for approximately 3 hours, including a short break half-way through, with Q&A session at the end (these are approximate timings and may vary slightly).
- During the masterclass, you'll have the opportunity to submit your questions and chat with fellow attendees using the Q&A and 'chat' buttons at the bottom of your screen.
- The masterclass will be recorded and will be made available to all registered attendees the day after the live session, for a one month following the live masterclass.
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