Simplifying the Landscape Through Various Mark-Making

Date: Wednesdays, Sep 30th - Oct 21st, 2026 (4 sessions)

Time: 10.00 AM - 12.30 PM (PDT) 

Location: Online via Zoom

Level: Open to All Level!

Medium: Soft Pastel

All sessions are recorded!

Workshop Overview:

Would you like to improve your pastel mark-making? Elements of the landscape such as trees, rocks, grass, clouds and water can be simplified and still be very expressive! In this class we’ll break down the steps together to boost your confidence in your own landscapes. From detailed demonstrations of holding and positioning the pastel, to the creative use of underpainting techniques and “how to see” things, this class will loosen you up and build the language of your mark-making!

About the Instructor - David Shkolny: 

Born in 1969 in Manitoba, David Shkolny (BFA, NSCAD 1992), has been painting landscapes for almost forty years. With twenty-four years of experience teaching, including painting holidays in Italy, he loves to share his experience working in the captivating medium of pastel. David’s studios are based in Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. His work can be found in international collections including the Canada Council. David recently placed first and was the people’s choice winner in the 2024 annual plein air competition in Red Deer, Alberta. He also placed first in the Rosebud Art Collective Paint Out in 2024. David is the first place winner of the inaugural Canada Paints Plein Air, 2025. 

Student Testimonials:

• "David is an amazing colorist, and studying with him is a pleasure and a privilege. One of the most valuable (and challenging) things I have learned from him is the process of recognizing the most meaningful elements in the wide scope of a landscape - those things that, through color, ignite and guide the composition of a painting to its ultimate success - an emotional connection with the viewer. That is my artistic goal, and David's generous and encouraging manner of teaching has helped me overcome many hurdles in my journey as an artist." -  Marnie M Edmonton