Learn to create beautiful floral still life paintings in pastel with Laurie Basham
In this workshop, students will create vibrant, impressionistic floral paintings in soft pastel using provided reference images. The emphasis will be on capturing mood, movement, and color rather than detailed realism. Through guided demonstrations, students will learn how to simplify floral forms, work with bold color choices, and use expressive mark-making to suggest light, depth, and energy.
We will focus on using strong value patterns, layering pastel for richness, and letting edges soften and blend naturally. Students will be encouraged to loosen their approach, trust intuitive color decisions, and embrace the spontaneity that pastel allows. Laurie will provide individual instruction throughout the session.
This workshop is appropriate for beginners with some basic drawing experience, as well as for intermediate artists looking to loosen their style and add more expression to their floral work. Students will leave with a finished painting and practical techniques they can continue to use in their own pastel practice.
All materials will be provided - an $8.00 materials fee is included in the registration price. If you already have pastels at home that you want to work with, feel free to bring them, but this is optional.
This class is offered at a drastically reduced price thanks to the generous funding from the Shallow Ford Foundation.
About the Instructor:
Inspired by travel and nature, Pastel artist Laurie Basham captures light and shadow in landscapes, figures, and still life. With a background in art education, she now dedicates herself as a full-time artist, earning awards and leading workshops. A signature member of the Piedmont Pastel Society, Maryland and Degas Pastel Societies. Active in Winston-Salem arts, showcased in Artfolios Gallery. Associate Member, Pastel Society of America.
