Bob Rohm, PSA - Pastel Workshop Supply List

Pastels

The following pastels are all "soft pastels".
I have separated them by their working characteristics into Hard, Medium and Soft. 

·        Hard Pastels - Nu-Pastels (48 - 96 color set) or Faber Castell Polychromos or Creatacolor Pastels

·        Medium Soft Pastels - A large set of medium pastels. Winsor & Newton, Rembrandt, or Unison sets are good starters.  At least a 90 piece set is required. 
 My personal choice is the 102 piece Elizabeth Mowry "Poetic Landscape" set of Girault pastels.

·        Extra Soft Pastels - A small set (or selection) of Sennelier or Schmincke. or Great American Artworks - Sennelier and Schmincke both make economical 1/2 stick sets carried by most mail order art supply retailers. (40 to 80 pieces)

Painting Surface/Support

Wallis Archival or Professional grade sanded pastel paper is recommended. Loose sheets or mounted on board. 

(Options)

·        ERSTA Fine Grit Sanded Pastel
·        Home made marble dust or pumice boards
·        I do not recommend Canson Paper or Le Carte

Easel

A light-weight easel.
·        Jullian French Easels are best for all around portable use
·        Yarka Russian Easels work well for pastels and general use

Miscellaneous Items

1" masking or drafting tape

Small amount of odorless turpenoid or denatured alcohol
(Do not use Turpenoid Natural or other citrus bases solvents!)

Rags or paper towels

Drop cloth or newspaper for indoor workshops (check with workshop coordinator)
½" to 1" inexpensive bristle brush or several sizes of old worn out bristle painting brushes
A small folding table or TV tray
(check with workshop coordinator for availability of tables and easels)  

Recommended Reading

“Painting the Landscape in Pastel” by Albert Handell and Anita Louise West

“Intuitive Composition” and “Intuitive Light” by Albert Handell

“The Art Spirit” by Robert Henri

"Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting" by John F. Carlson

  "Capturing Light & Color with Pastels" by Doug Dawson

A good sense of humor and a willingness to try new ideas and techniques!