Master the ways to use pastel and find the ones that feel like you.
You have pastels. You know how to use them… sort of. You blend with your finger, you layer a little, you get a result that's fine.
But you've seen other artists' work and thought -how are they getting that texture? That looseness? That mark that just feels alive?
Pastel Techniques
Master the various ways to use pastel!
The answer isn't better pastels. It's technique.
Pastel Techniques is an in-depth exploration of the creative and unique ways you can actually use this medium — from my signature Windshield Wiper method to smooshing, grazing, schmeearing, and beyond. We're going to get into the good stuff: how surface choice transforms everything, how different application styles create completely different moods, and how experimenting with technique is what turns a competent painting into one that feels unmistakably yours.
This is the class where pastel starts to get really fun.
This is for you if...
- You know the basics but feel like your pastel work all looks kind of the same
- You've seen loose, expressive pastel work and wondered how on earth they did that
- You apply pastel the same way every time and aren't sure how to change it up
- You want more texture, more energy, more you in your paintings
- You've heard of magic paper but have no idea what it actually does
If you nodded at even one of those — you're exactly who this is for.
This is not for you if...
- You're a complete beginner who hasn't tried pastel yet (start with Pastels 101 first!)
- You're looking for a finished painting project from start to finish
- You want strictly realistic, tight, highly blended work with no experimentation
- You're not ready to let go of doing things the "right" way
- You're not looking for a polished result on the first try
WHATS INSIDE:
The Anatomy of a Pastel
Before we dive into technique, we get to know our tool. What's actually in a pastel stick, how hardness affects application, and why the pastel you choose matters more than you think.
Smooshing Styles
This is where it gets fun. The Circular Schmear, The Swooping Schmear, The Water Swamp, Water Movement, The Tap-Dab — five distinct ways to move pastel around your surface, each creating a completely different effect. You'll wonder how you painted without these.
Creating Texture
Roll and Go, The Windshield Wiper, Grazing, Doo-Dads, Sprinkles — yes, sprinkles. 🎨 These are the techniques that create the marks people stop and ask about. Bold strokes, dynamic textures, expressive surfaces. This module alone will change how you paint.
You don't need more pastels. YOu need to know techniques
What you'll walk away with
A whole toolkit of distinctive techniques — not just one way to apply pastel
The ability to choose the right technique for the mood you want to create
A real understanding of how surface choice transforms your results
Confidence to experiment, play, and make marks that feel like you
Artistic foundations in value, color, texture, and dimension
Your creative flow — and the permission to use it
What students say. Real results.
"The Windshield Wiper alone was worth the whole course. I use it in almost every painting now. I had no idea one technique could make such a difference."
- Lorraine K., pastel artist
"I loved that Andrea gave everything a name — the Swooping Schmear, the Doo-Dads. It made it so easy to remember and actually use what I learned. So fun."
- Beth A., hobby painter
One payment. Lifetime access. No subscription. No expiration.
Work through it at your own pace and come back whenever you want.
Pastel Techniques
$75.00
One time
- 3 modules of video instruction
- Lifetime access
- Watch at your own pace
Want even more?
Creative Journey Membership
$20/month
- This entire bundle included
- Every other course and class in the library
- Monthly deep-dive lesson
- Live sessions with Andrea twice a month
- Community access
- New content added every single month
If you're serious about growing as an artist — not just finishing one bundle and stopping — the membership is the move. You get this, plus everything else, plus me, live, twice a month. For less than a dinner out.
