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
Black & White Pastel Workshop: Techniques to Elevate Your Monochromatic Painting
Aug 22nd
9:00am – 4:00pm
VEFA Gallery
21825 Hawthorne Blvd
Torrance, CA
One Day In-Person:
$125 for PSWC Members
$150 for Non-members
Register here
Otto Stürcke
About the Workshop:
This one-day workshop will take place in the VEFA Gallery during the PSWC Pastels USA: 99 Voices in Pastel 40th Anniversary Exhibition. It will focus on elevating your monochromatic work. Using only black and white charcoal and pastel, participants will be guided by Otto as he teaches you how to skillfully blend two hues to create an array of grays that strengthen both form and mood. The workshop will begin with a brief introduction to the methods and materials to be used, followed by fun, informative exercises that will usher you into creating a piece you can be proud of. Otto will provide demonstrations, including plenty of one-on-one instruction, as well as a variety of reference photos available for participant use.
About the Artist:
Otto Stürcke, born in 1971 in Southern California, is a primarily self-taught artist who served in the U.S. Marine Corps before pursuing art. He worked as an illustrator, and learned that he favors pastels and the chiaroscuro style. Otto has earned numerous awards, including Master Circle Status with the International Association of Pastel Societies, the Master Pastelist title, and the Dianne B. Bernhard Gold Medal from the Pastel Society of America. His works are featured in the Smithsonian’s American Latino Collective and the Butler Institute of American Art, and he has received multiple “Best In Show” honors and other notable awards. His art has also been published internationally.
SIMPLIFYING FOR STRENGTH
Sept 30th – Oct 2nd
9:00am – 3:30pm Local Time
Catalyst Arts Collaborative
6427 W Ustick Road
Boise ID 83704
3 Day Workshop:
$475 for PSWC Members
$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.
ALL THE GUSTO WITHOUT THE DUSTO: INTRO TO PASTEL PENCILS
Nov 7th – 8th
9:00am – 3:30pm PT
Online via Zoom
2 Day Workshop:
$175 for PSWC Members
$195 for Non-members
Register here
Christine Obers
About the Workshop:
Participants will learn to paint a Grisaille.
A grisaille allows an artist to focus on form and values. It has been used as a formal teaching aid for centuries. In this workshop we will be creating a grisaille using only a few pastel pencils on a grey surface.
There will be a demo in the AM followed by questions. Artists will begin working on their individual projects. Artists may share their work in progress at any time by emailing or texting the image.
I’ll offer suggestions and advice that will be available to all participants, including how to fix problem areas.
12 hours instruction, 6 hours /day, with break for lunch and stretches.
About the Artist:
Christine has won numerous international awards including the Master Circle, Gold Medal from the International Association of Pastel Societies and Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America. She is also a Distinguished Pastelist in the Pastel Society of the West Coast and Master Pastelist in the Pastel Artists of Canada Association.
Her artwork has been exhibited at the National Arts Club, in New York; Albuquerque NM; Morro Bay CA, and the Aurora Art Center, Ontario, Canada. She has been featured in major art publications, including the Pastel Journal, Southwest Art and American Art Collector. Obers’s artwork can be found in private collections throughout Canada and the US.
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