Pastels

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

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

·        Medium Soft Pastels - A large set of medium pastels. Mount Vision, Rembrandt, or Unison sets are good starters.  At least a 90 piece set is required. 

·        Extra Soft Pastels - A small set (or selection) of Sennelier, 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
 

Miscellaneous Items

Masking or drafting tape

Small amount of odorless mineral spirits and/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!