Workshops
We offer in-person pastel painting workshops through several agreements with art centers, as well as virtual workshops and demonstrations via Zoom. Some of the finest artists in the world have taught workshops for PSWC. Watch this page for frequent updates.
REGISTERING FOR UPCOMING PSWC SPONSERED WORKSHOPS: A “Register here” link will be added to the workshop details below when registration has been opened.
Please note the Cancellation Policy at the bottom of this page.
Upcoming 2026 PSWC Workshops
PASTEL INNOVATIONS
April 6th – 8th
9:00am – 4:00pm PT
Art Center Morro Bay
835 Main St.
Morro Bay CA 93442
3 Day Workshop: $475
Register here
Dawn Emerson
In this session you’ll discover the powerful versatility of PanPastels when used alone or together with stick pastels and mixed media like sumi ink, water mixable oils, oil pastels, crayons, and cold wax. Layering by adding and subtracting different media will be demonstrated using many “non-typical” art tools and surfaces. The intention is to introduce approaches to drawing that will unleash creative ways to think about your subject with renewed insight and possibilities. This class reviews techniques presented in my book Pastel Innovations, together with many processes developed since the book was published in 2017.
About the Artist:
Dawn Emerson is an inspiring teacher who is passionate about helping each person in their own unique way of using the pastel medium to express themselves. She creates a culture of sharing and joyful exploration in each workshop that encourages each person to take risks, to constructively critique their work, and to identify meaningful themes to pursue in their art. Dawn is a signature member of the Pastel Society of America, a respected art judge and juror, author of the book Pastel Innovations, and has 7 instructional videos. Her work is known for its powerful energy and expressive way of combining realism with abstraction.
dawnemerson.com
PASTEL INNOVATIONS PLUS
April 9th – 11th
9:00am – 4:00pm PT
Art Center Morro Bay
835 Main St.
Morro Bay CA 93442
3 Day Workshop: $475
Register here
Dawn Emerson
This session is designed for those who have taken a “Pastel Innovations” session at some time, and want to explore applying these techniques to “mine” and edit a subject for more powerful meaning and expression. Each day techniques will be introduced to help you apply the design elements of line, texture, value, edges, space, color, and shape with mixed media and pastel (PanPastel and stick) in order to discover new ways to explore your subject. Participants will be encouraged to push the boundaries of what is “expected” of the pastel medium by embracing the question “WHAT IF?”
About the Artist:
Dawn Emerson is an inspiring teacher who is passionate about helping each person in their own unique way of using the pastel medium to express themselves. She creates a culture of sharing and joyful exploration in each workshop that encourages each person to take risks, to constructively critique their work, and to identify meaningful themes to pursue in their art. Dawn is a signature member of the Pastel Society of America, a respected art judge and juror, author of the book Pastel Innovations, and has 7 instructional videos. Her work is known for its powerful energy and expressive way of combining realism with abstraction.
dawnemerson.com
SIMPLIFYING FOR STRENGTH
Sept 30th – Oct 2nd
9:00am – 4:00pm PT
Catalyst Arts Collaborative
6427 W Ustick Road
Boise ID 83704
3 Day Workshop:
$475 for PSWC Members:
Register here
$495 for Non-members:
Register here
Kim Lordier
Open to artists using oil or pastel
Do you want to draw people to YOUR painting from across the room?
Do you find yourself getting lost in the details?
No matter the style of your mark making, simplifying design and value structure will strengthen your painting!
Let’s dive into the power of values and composition in this three-day studio workshop.
Starting with an inspirational PowerPoint, timed exercises, demonstration, painting time and a personal critique session, our three days together will be packed with hard work and fun.
About the Artist:
Kim Lordier received a BFA in Illustration at the Academy of Art University, San Francisco in 1989. Her work has been showcased on the cover of PleinAir Magazine, Art of the West, Southwest Art, and Pastel Journal, as well as featured in Fine Art Connoisseur, American Artist, The Artist Magazine, and the PSWC Magazine. Acknowledged by jurors and her peers, Kim has received recognition for her landscapes at major plein air events, international magazine competitions, national pastel society shows and museum exhibitions. Kim is a Signature Member of the California Art Club, the Pastel Society of America, Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, a Pastel Laureate of the Pastel Society of the West Coast, and is a Master Circle honoree of the International Association of Pastel Societies. A coveted workshop instructor, Kim leads
workshops across the country.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
- Full Refund minus a $50 administration fee up to 30 days prior to the workshop
- 50% refund after that up to 2 weeks before the scheduled date of the workshop
- No refund within 2 weeks of the workshop
- Exception for unexpected illness, i.e, COVID, and a refund of 50% or credit to attend an upcoming workshop
- In lieu of a refund, you can transfer your spot to someone else, by having that person confirm the transfer to us up until 3 days prior to the start of the workshop