Beginner to Confident in a Month – 4 Week Course Using Pastels

If you have little or no idea how to draw or where to start, then this could be for you. Working in a small group of up to 6 budding artists, you learn the 'how' (practical skills) along with the 'why' (a little theory) for the first 3 weeks before bringing it all together in a final pure pastel drawing or mixed media artwork in week 4. Bite-size learning is a wonderfully calm, stress-free way to learn any new skill. All materials are provided, simply turn up and learn how to draw confidently! This small group size ensure each artist has all the coaching and encouragement they need to succeed to become a confident artist in 4 weeks (8 hours). Embsay Village Hall is just outside Skipton, the Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales and beautiful walks to explore after your session - perhaps find some inspiration for your next art challenge? The pastel course in September has two budding artists registered, so there are 2, perhaps 3 places available. A few reviews from similar, 2 hour starter workshops, that I've run over the past 2 years to give you an idea of how I will work with you to help you become a confident artist in just one month Paula Harmer- 1 year ago - I am quite experienced with pastels, but learned something straight away! I came away knowing more than when I arrived and having had a very enjoyable time. Teaching was good .... a very mixed ability group! My only criticism - too short! Response from Kate West: Great to know you learned something in spite of being accomplished in pastels... When you told me you could transfer the skills used to draw the Fox to any pet, I knew I was speaking to a teacher... I used to teach mixed ability groups in FE and think the group as a whole can often benefit from this mix of skills. Colin Barden- 1 year ago - I've attended 2 of Kate's workshops (Watercolour Starter, and Drawing Starter), have signed up for the Pastels Starter and hope to be able to attend one of the Pastels Portrait workshops. Kate's very keen that you take away not just plenty of information at the end of the session, but most of the time is hands-on, with opportunities to try new techniques. She keeps the number of attendees low, so there's plenty of time for one-to-one guidance. Thank you, Kate. Response from Kate West: Hi Colin, thank you for taking the time to leave a review and your kind comments. Thanks also for the enthusiasm and participation you brought to the sessions! Great to know that you have enjoyed the sessions and looking forward to working with you again for the pastel workshops. Christine Wood - 11 months ago - I attended Kate's 'Pastel Starter Workshop' last week and would recommend this course to anyone, who is either thinking of using pastels, or is coming back to using them after a period of time. The session was a real hands-on, 'have a go' afternoon. We learned about different types and brands of pastels, and also about a range of papers and techniques. It was a thoroughly enjoyable workshop, with participants encouraged to give their thoughts and opinions about the various brands being used and also about their experiences of using pastels. Kate offers participants in her workshops the benefit of her huge experience and very obvious skills, but alongside this she is hugely encouraging and supportive. Thank you, Kate, for another very enjoyable afternoon. Christina Robinson - 4 months ago - A relaxed, informal and informative workshop with the emphasis on enjoyment. Lots of tools and tips to help beginners see a subject through an artist’s eyes. Kate loves teaching - and it shows. Highly recommended. Pip Carr - 1 year ago - I really enjoyed this workshop. Katy is very good at combining tuition, but also encouraging personal style discovery and also plenty of time to put techniques into practice. There was plenty of choice of materials, with lots of ideas of what to buy to continue practising at home. All in all, a very enjoyable and informative afternoon. Christine Wood - 1 year ago -  Thank you for a very enjoyable workshop last Friday. The three hours passed so quickly! The workshop really encouraged me to keep going with my painting and to try out new ideas and techniques. There was lots of encouragement and support, and you gave us lots of useful hints and tips. I very much look forward to attending another of your workshops. I would be very happy to recommend you and your workshops to friends and family. Thank you again, Christine