PanPastels really are new and very different from the soft pastels on which they are based.

Artist grade soft pastels are an old and traditional medium (1600s). They look wonderful, but are hard to use for many artists. They aren't easy to store, they are fragile, and they create a lot of dust.

They also have to be fixed with sprays that smell and are toxic if inhaled.

PanPastels do not create a dust mess, are easy to handle, and have a consistency that almost feels creamy, even though they are a dry medium.

When I first heard of them, I literally ran out to get them and I have been having a love affair with them ever since. I have learned a lot about using them, and how to combine them with other media. In this workshop. I will share that information with you.

This workshop will not turn you into a pastel painter (altough we do complete a painting usong Panpastel and watercolor pencils), but will introduce you to the special qualities and behaviors of this medium and explore some ways to combine them with other mediums, for new and exciting effects.

Pan Pastels come in a wide palette of colors. Because they are not inexpensive, this workshop does not require a specific set of colors. Use what you have and you will discover which colors you may want to add to your stash. (See Supply List below).

If you don't own any Panpastels at all, just start with as many as you can afford from the suggested Palette in the Supply List.

You purchase the workshop from our Shopping Cart and you receive a downloadable PDF Guide for the workshop, which contains an introduction, support amterials, and Links to all the vdeo lessons.

You must be able to play our videos. Test this by trying this video (has nothing to do with this workshop). This is high end streaming video, so let it load for a few moments before hitting the Play arrow or it will start and stop.

http://gallery.me.com/jwesolek#100001

If you can run this video, you will have no problems with the class videos. You must have the the free Quicktime Player for Windows here (Macs have Quicktime already): http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/win.html

Our videos are now downloadable, so you can keep a copy for yourself on your computer and watch it without being online. Our videos will play in Quicktime and iTunes - also free and available for PC and Mac (from apple.com).

After watching the video lesson, you do the assignment in your own time, and then move on to the next Lesson..

Workshop Requirements. . . Enthusiasm and curiosity.

PanPastels
At least 6 colors. Whatever colors you have are fine because they all perform the same way.

They are worth having because they produce results that can't be made with any other tool.

PanPastels (individual pans)

Sofft Tools

Sheer Heaven
Pan Pastels and Sheer Heaven are a match made in . . . well . . . Heaven. You will need at least 3 good sheets and the rest can be transfer leftovers.
http://www.cre8it.com/sheerheavenpricing.html

2-Ply Smooth Bristol
This is a smooth and durable drawing paper sold at all craft and art supply stores. A 9x12 Smooth pad will do fine.
Link to Strathmore Bristol Board Pads at Dick Blick (half off)

Water Soluble Color Pencils
Any brand is ok. My favorite brand is Caran d'ache
Caran d'ache Water Soluble Pencils at Dick Blick

A Waterbrush.
Niji is the best brand and is inexpensive online (see below). Small tip is best, but medium is ok, if you can't get a Small. This is a paintbrush that holds clear water in its barrel.
Link to Niji Waterbrush at Dick Blick

Erasers
A firm white plastic eraser works best, and an eraser pen and eraser pencil are needed for erasing thinner lines.
Link to White Plastic Eraser and Eraser Pen at Dick Blick

Link to Eraser Pencil at Dick Blick

Packing Tape
The wide, clear kind meant for sealing packages.

Stamping Supplies
A Clear Embossing Ink Stamp pad.
A large (4x6 or so) texture background stamp. If you don't have any, a kitchen sponge will do.
A nice solid image stamp of something (like the bird in the example above).

Miscellaneous Supplies
Paper Towels, make-up cotton pads or soft tissues (cotton balls do not work as well), scissors, 3H pencil (non-smeary).
Link to 3H Drawing Pencil at Dick Blick