"I had no idea you could layer on different colors, blend them together, and have the illusion of shape and form," a Catawba College student shared after participating in a recent pastel workshop held on campus. Professional artist and illustrator Walter Stanford was the instructor for this pastels workshop slated as part of the College's Farmin' Month events.
The March 19th workshop for selected Catawba students, faculty and staff was held in conjunction with Stanford's exhibition of works from his NC Century Farms on display in Catawba's Corriher-Linn-Black Library through April. Stanford led a discussion and demonstration of the fine art of pastel painting in a morning meet and greet reception that was followed by the afternoon workshop.
Stanford demonstrated the process of creating a pallet of layered pastel colors and blending techniques to create form, shape, shadows, and highlights. He stressed the importance of the eyes in artwork. "If the eye isn't good, then it affects the whole piece. The eyes will define how good your piece will be."
In keeping with the Farmin' Month theme, each workshop student explored creating and capturing the beauty of their favorite animal in pastels. The workshop began with a detailed eye study. Each student focused on getting the proper shape of the eye and eyelid using color to create the shape, highlights and shadows to paint impressive eyes.
After the eye study, students began working on their main piece. Through a process of layering on colors and blending, each unique piece seemed to come to life. Stanford gave students personal attention and guidance as they painted their animals.
"Learning this new technique was so much fun," said one student. "This is an up-close and personal approach to art. Blending with your fingers gives you a deeper relationship with your piece."
"The personal attention and guidance Walter gave really helped me see things in a different way," shared another student.
Stanford's goal was for each student to leave with the knowledge and appreciation of this medium for creating artwork, and to have fun doing it. The students were all impressed with their work in this new medium.
For more information about Walter Stanford, please visit www.walterstanford.com.
