Discover the beautiful art of pastels! This is not mere chalk, but a beautiful, exciting and versatile medium of pure pigment in every color imaginable. Students explore the various types of pastels, surfaces, application methods and underpainting techniques. An introduction to design, composition, color and values will be given through hands on demonstrations and observation. From advanced to beginner – all levels of expertise welcome! Experience in painting or an artistic background is not required ─ just a willingness to experiment, explore and be creative.

(Materials List to follow)

Christa Forrest lives in Stamford, Connecticut with her husband and two beautiful kids.  She truly enjoys painting the world’s landscape. Using color as a map and foundation and working in mixed media, pastels and oil, she explores unique compositions in nature’s surroundings as well as the figurative.  After a twenty year career in finance, Christa chose a new journey as a full time artist. Primarily self-taught, she has studied at the Art Students League, Grand Central Academy in New York City where she decided to step back to learn and study the classical method of painting and drawing.

Her creative path brought her to the Connecticut Pastel Society, where she was introduced to some of the most prized pastel artists. She began studying with Frank Federico, Liz Haywood Sullivan and Richard Mckinley. Pastels became her instrument of choice because of the intense vibrancy of the colors and their immediate impact when applied. Pastels also have a unique way of recapturing the textures and patterns of nature. Christa’s work has been seen in various exhibits throughout Connecticut and New York.

Fall II: 5 wks – 11/4, 11/18, 11/25, 12/2, 12/9 (MU 12/16)

Please call the Guild at 203.438.8863 for more information or to register.