Lesson Aim
To help you move from landscape observation into abstract pastel work.
Notes
This lesson should feel exploratory. Encourage freedom rather than precision. The aim is to respond to the energy of trees and streams through shape, movement, and colour rather than literal description.
Key Points to Cover
Properties of pastel
Surface choice and texture
Simplifying natural forms
Rhythm, movement, and layering
Choosing a colour palette
Demonstration
Show how to build pastel layers
Demonstrate directional marks
Show how a natural form can become abstract through simplification
Student Activity
Sketch trees and streams as basic shapes
Experiment with pastel marks
Begin abstract compositional studies
Subject: Durham Cathedral
Lesson 1: Introduction to Pen and Ink Wash
Lesson Aim
To introduce pen and ink wash and help you become comfortable with line, tone, and controlled wash.
Notes
We will start with the drawing, then the inking, and finally the watercolour washes. The aim is not to copy every detail, but to use line and wash together to suggest structure, depth, and light.
Key Points to Cover
The properties of pen and ink wash
Choosing suitable paper
Line quality: broken line, varied pressure, and directional marks
Wash dilution and tonal control
Materials
Ink and brushes
Pens
Reference image
Final paper
Introduction to Seascapes
This will take 2 weeks, maybe more.
Lesson Aim
To introduce watersoluble oils and explore the character of the seascape.
Notes
This lesson should balance technical introduction with visual inspiration, to see how the sea can be both observed and interpreted. Refer to Homer and Aivazovsky as contrasting examples of mood and atmosphere.
Key Points to Cover
Watersoluble oil properties
Blending and layering
Sea, sky, and light relationships
Atmospheric perspective
The work of Homer and Aivazovsky
Demonstration
Blend sky and water transitions
Show tonal planning
Demonstrate wave shape and directional movement
Compare calm and dramatic seascape approaches
Materials
Watersoluble oils
Brushes
Palette
Solvent or water as appropriate
Canvas board or prepared paper
Reference images of seascapes
Images of Homer and Aivazovsky
Subject: Mining Scenes
Lesson 7: Oil Pastel Techniques and Texture
Using this painting by Bill Hindmarsh from the Mining museum, then create our own from this photograph at The Glasgow University
Lesson Aim
To introduce oil pastel through textured industrial subject matter.
Notes
Oil pastel is especially suited to strong surfaces, bold colour, and expressive layering. Mining scenes provide good opportunities for structure, weathered surfaces, and atmosphere.
Key Points to Cover
Oil pastel handling
Layering and blending
Texture and mark-making
Industrial forms and surfaces
Composition and mood
Demonstration
Show layered colour
Demonstrate texture-making marks
Sketch mining forms from reference
Build tonal contrast with pastel
Materials
Oil pastels
Suitable paper or board
Reference images of mining scenes
Tissue or blending tools if desired
Subject: Animal Portraits
Lesson 9: Coloured Pencil Techniques and Animal Studies
Lesson Aim
To introduce coloured pencil techniques through animal portrait work.
Notes
Coloured pencil rewards patience and careful observation. This lesson should focus on building confidence with layering and on understanding how to capture the structure and character of the animal.
Key Points to Cover
Materials and layering
Fur texture
Eyes, nose, and facial structure
Tone and colour development
Expression and character
Demonstration
Layer pencil gradually
Build texture in fur
Show how to develop eyes and features
Explain working from light to dark
Materials
Coloured pencils
Sharpener
Eraser
Reference image