Weekend Workshop
Autumn’s Palette:
Fall Landscapes in Pastel
With Teaching Artist Jane Gonzalez
Embrace the cozy warmth of autumn and immerse yourself in the rich colors of the season! This two-day workshop invites artists of all levels to capture the colorful beauty of our Northwest autumn using the rich, expressive medium of soft pastels. Jane guides you through techniques for rendering the golden glow of fall—from the joyful hues of changing foliage to the deep, earthy tones of local woodlands.
You focus on the classic elements of our autumnal landscape: the graceful structure of changing trees, picturesque scenery of harvest-ready gardens, and brilliant pops of color from late-season blooms. By the end of the weekend, you’ll head home with at least one completed landscape study and the confidence to keep creating your own pastel artwork. No prior experience is necessary—just your creativity and enthusiasm!
Day 1: Autumn Gardens
You explore composition, focal points, and how to make your late-season subjects "pop" against rich garden greenery. Jane guides you through layering pigment to create depth and volume, and using mark-making techniques to softly define garden paths, fall foliage and rustic landscapes.
Day 2: Autumn Canopies & Golden Light
You work on creating your landscape composition, then practice drawing autumn trees in their seasonal finery—from the brilliant gold and crimson of changing leaves to bare, textured branches. You learn to use color to capture the fleeting, warm autumn light that filters through the canopy.
What You'll Learn
Pastel Fundamentals: How to choose the right hard and soft pastels, as well as the best surfaces for your pastel paintings.
Color Mixing: Techniques for blending (and when not to blend) to keep your fall colors clean and bright.
Underpainting: A simple secret for beginners to give your landscapes depth and luminosity from the first layer.
Color Theory for Fall: Learn to mix warm tones, deep earth shades, and vibrant golds without losing vibrancy.
Simplifying Nature: Techniques for suggesting complex landscape elements, like dense autumn foliage, without overworking your piece.
Light & Atmosphere: How to capture that low, warm fall light and the glowing hues it lends to our surroundings.
With Teaching Artist Jane Gonzalez
Saturday, October 17, 10:30am–4:30pm, and Sunday, October 18, 10:30am–2:30pm
This two-day workshop invites artists of all levels to capture the fleeting beauty of our Northwest fall season using the rich, expressive medium of soft pastels. With personalized guidance, you create two landscape studies and take away the techniques and confidence to keep creating your own pastel art.
Mark-Making: Using the edges and flats of your pastels to create both textured, rustic branches and delicate, late-season leaves.
Whether you are picking up pastels for the first time or looking to refine your landscape technique, you’ll leave with the confidence to paint your natural surroundings in all of their autumnal glory.
Dates: Saturday, October 17, 10:30am–4:30pm, and Sunday, October 18, 10:30am–2:30pm
Location: Class meets at Willard Art & Frame
Tuition: $200 (+ tax) per student for each workshop
Class size is limited to 10 students age 16 and over to ensure individualized attention and a focused learning environment.
Ready to get started? Spaces are limited; to secure your spot today, please register at left.
Your class supply list is coming soon.
Questions? Please email Jane.
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Meet Your Instructor, Teaching Artist Jane Gonzalez
Jane Gonzalez is a classically trained pastel artist and painter who specializes in creating captivating landscapes in pastel. She studied under Juliet Aristides at Gage Academy’s Classical Atelier, the University of Washington’s Natural Science Illustration program and numerous classes and workshops with highly regarded local artists. She’s a member of the Northwest Pastel Society and the Northwest Watercolor Society, and a freelance artist and jewelry designer.
Jane is looking forward to working with you to guide you in creating your own beautiful pastel painting!
All images on this page appear courtesy of Jane Gonzalez.
