The Art of Underpainting Pastel

Dec 2nd & 3rd, 9th & 10th  (4 sessions)

2.00 PM - 5.00 PM (PST) 

Online via Zoom

Level: Open to All Level!

Medium: Soft Pastel

All sessions are recorded!

Workshop Overview:

In this workshop, you’ll explore the expressive possibilities of pastel painting through the use of underpainting techniques on sanded surfaces. Building on a process-driven and experimental approach, participants will learn how an underpainting can enhance depth, luminosity, and painterly quality in their work. Using sanded paper and inspired by a softly lit nature scene from Edmonton, Alberta, this workshop invites you to discover how light, colour, and texture can transform your pastel practice. You will learn the following techniques of painting process.

1. PROPORTION AND UNDERDRAWING

Starting from scratch, David begins by scaling up his reference photo, taping it to the upper left corner of his paper and using a ruler to extend its diagonal to establish proportions and composition. With soft vine charcoal, David blocks in shapes and values—using the tip for lines, the side for broader tones, and his thumb to blend larger areas. A kneaded eraser helps refine edges and lift out highlights, creating a clear foundation of proportion and light before moving on to colour. 

2. UNDERPAINTING

After completing the underdrawing, David brushes on 70–90% isopropyl alcohol to seal the charcoal and create spontaneous textures. Once dry, he blocks in darker-value colours—using Unison for richness and Nupastel for its harder texture—applying pastel lightly with the side of the stick. David then brushes over with alcohol again to blend and form organic patterns, adding more colour where needed. Details aren’t the focus yet; he simply maintains the layout and lets the underpainting dry for about 5–10 minutes before continuing. 

3. ADDING THE DRY PASTEL

With the underpainting complete, David selects mostly lighter colours, adding darker tones where needed to strengthen contrast. He begins with the darks in the foreground trees, keeping distant ones softer to enhance depth. Light is introduced through “sky holes” and highlights along the left sides of trees, giving them form. Working from top to bottom, David develops the path with blue shadows and pink light, and balances cool greens in the grass with warmer yellow-greens. The sunlit trees at the path’s end receive the lightest, most delicate touches. 

4. FINISHING UP

Stronger light and dark contrasts in the foreground and softer ones in the distance create depth. Linear marks suggest branches, while smaller strokes in the path and grass hint at texture and detail. The final touches focus on maintaining spontaneity and letting the marks speak for themselves, embracing expression over polish. 

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