Impressionist Pastel Drawing Art Masterclass

From the velvety textures of 18th-century portraiture to the vibrant, atmospheric works of the Impressionists, pastel has a rich and fascinating history. In this immersive Pastel Drawing Masterclass, you will explore how masters like Edgar Degas, Mary Cassatt, and Jean-Baptiste Perronneau used pastel to create luminous, expressive artworks.

Over four inspiring days, you will study historical pastel techniques, experiment with layering and blending, and develop your own style while working from life. Perfect for artists of all levels, this hands-on course will deepen your understanding of pastel as a medium and help you capture both realism and atmosphere.

Learn from professional artists and educators with extensive experience in pastel drawing and art history. Our tutors have trained at world-renowned institutions such as:

• Royal Academy of Arts, Slade School of Fine Art, Central Saint Martins
• École des Beaux-Arts, Paris
• Florence Academy of Art, Italy

Bringing together traditional methods and contemporary innovation, they will guide you through the techniques that made pastel a favourite among portraitists and Impressionists alike.

Sunny Art Centre is one of London’s most respected art schools, known for its high-quality tuition and combination of classical foundations with innovative practices. We have delivered workshops for institutions such as the National Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts, and BBC.

• Historical origins of pastel in the 17th–19th centuries
• How Degas and the Impressionists transformed pastel into a modern medium
• Layering and blending to create luminous depth
• Capturing light, texture, and atmosphere with colour harmony
• Drawing from life – portraits, figures, and still life arrangements
• Techniques for expressive mark-making and gestural drawing

You will gain essential pastel drawing skills, including:

• Light theory – controlling tonal values for volume and drama
• Colour theory – building vibrancy through layering and glazing-like effects
• Surface choice – working on toned and textured papers for varied effects
• Edges and transitions – balancing softness with definition

• Day 1 & 2 (10 am–5 pm) – Guided tuition, historical overview, and practical exercises in pastel handling and layering.
• Day 3
  • Morning (10 am–1 pm): Taught portrait or still life session
  • Afternoon (2 pm–5 pm): Self-directed studio practice
• Day 4
  • Morning (10 am–1 pm): Studio practice and final project completion
  • Afternoon (2 pm–5 pm): Final guided session + feedback & review

• Central London location in Covent Garden
• Small group sizes or private 1-to-1 tuition
• Expert tutors with professional pastel experience
• Includes reference materials and technique guides
• Ideal for art portfolio preparation or lifelong learners

Upon completing the programme, you will receive an official Certificate of Completion from Sunny Art Centre, recognising your achievement in mastering historical and modern pastel drawing techniques.

• Beginners to advanced artists
• Teenagers and adults
• Those interested in historical drawing methods, Impressionism, and expressive techniques
• Artists seeking to add pastel expertise to their portfolio

• Private 1:1 Tuition
• Small Group Tuition (up to 10 people)

A: Sunny Art Centre, Covent Garden, Kemble St, London, WC2B 4AW
T: 020-86165990 
E: info@sunnyartcentre.co.uk
Office Opening Hours: 10 am- 6 pm (Mon-Fri)