Join artist Maria Iva (PAC) in a fun one-day workshop exploring and practicing dry pastels. Pastels are well known for their rich and vibrant colours and for their high permanence ratings: they won’t fade over time. Unlike what many people think, pastels are a very forgiving medium and are very easy to handle. Maria will demonstrate easy steps that will lead to creating successful paintings, and illustrate an under-painting technique that is critical for producing depth and texture. Participants will complete one painting together with the instructor. A lot of guidance will be provided throughout the day. Basic understanding of composition and values and some painting experience in any medium is recommended.
Maria is a landscape painter known for her impressionistic style and vibrant color palette. Working in both oil and dry pastel, she draws inspiration from her love of nature and extensive hikes through the provincial parks and conservation areas of Southern Ontario. Often sketching on location with dry pastels, she captures the unique light and atmosphere of each setting. Back in her studio, she transforms these sketches into larger oil paintings on canvas, using a palette knife to bring texture and depth to her work.
Maria is a Signature Member of Pastel Artists Canada (PAC), holding a Master designation. She is an Elected Member of the Ontario Society of Artists (OSA) and Society of Canadian Artists. She is also a well-regarded instructor in both soft pastel and oil mediums.
Read more about Maria