Discover the Power of Light & Vibrant Color

Are you ready to illuminate your art and explore the vibrant possibilities of soft pastels? I’m excited to welcome you to "Guiding Light," a captivating online class designed to help you harness the magic of light and color in your creations.

Inspired by the whimsical beauty of nature, I’ve always been drawn to capturing the essence of light in my paintings. In "Guiding Light," I invite you to join me on a creative journey as we bring a charming bird to life, perched among enchanting mushrooms. This soft pastel class, with a special focus on using PanPastel and pastel pencils, will guide you through the transformative power of value—your key to infusing your artwork with depth, dimension, and a radiant glow.

Through this single-lesson class, I’ll share my techniques and insights, guiding you step-by-step as we blend vibrant colors, craft whimsical details, and use light to elevate your art. Whether you're just starting out or have some experience with soft pastels, this class is designed to inspire and help you unlock new levels of creativity. Plus, you'll have the option to use provided line art, so you can dive right into the painting process.

Join me in "Guiding Light" and let your creativity shine.

Guiding Light
$44.00
One time

Join me on this creative journey as we bring a charming bird to life, perched among enchanting mushrooms. Together, we'll explore the transformative power of value—your key to infusing your artwork with depth, dimension, and a radiant glow.

✓ Unlimited lifetime access
✓ Self-Paced Soft Pastel Class
✓ Includes Printable Line Art
✓ Supportive Class Assets File

Some things you will learn.

  • How to transfer & support your artwork

  • Materials: Their Importance and How I Use Them

  • Create depth by using value.

  • How to bring light into your painting

  • Gain confidence in using a limited core palette

  • Incorporate whimsical mark - making

Additional Content

  • Color Mixing List

    To assist you in achieving color harmony, I’ve included a printable color mixing outline that lists the combinations I demonstrate in the warm up video and more so you can explore! Keep it by your side as you work, and use it to experiment with confidence and ease.

  • Pastel Pencil Reference List

    Also included is a printable pastel pencil list with the names and numbers of the pencils in the CarbOthello 48-piece set & the additional pencils I share with you in the lesson. This list serves as a learning reference, helping you see the connection between the pastel pencils and the PanPastel colors. Use this guide to enhance your understanding of how these tools work together to create harmonious and vibrant artwork.

  • Line Art & Resource Image

    You'll have the option to use provided line art, so you can dive right into the painting process. You will also have printable reference photo of the resource image I’ve used for the lesson.

  • PanPastel Color Pallet

    I’m including a printable image of my PanPastel color palette used throughout the entire lesson, with each color clearly labeled. This reference will help you easily identify and use the colors, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable painting experience.

  • Value Chart

    You will be able to download and print your own value chart, just like the one I use in class. This is a powerful tool that can elevate your art by helping you understand and apply different values effectively.

  • Supporting Videos

    You will have additional supportive videos that will help make your experience even more positive.

    “How to Care For Your Pasel Painting - With Framing Tips”

    ”How to Mount Your Pastel Paper”

    “How to Reverse Tape Your Pastel Paper”

    "How To Frame A Soft Pastel Painting"

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • No prior experience is necessary. This class is designed for both beginners and experienced artists who want to explore the unique qualities of PanPastel and pastel pencils. I’ve also provided the line art so you can focus on painting.

  • Once you enroll, you will have lifetime access to the class. You can revisit the lessons and resources at any time and work at your own pace.

  • No, I never use fixative or sealer on my finished soft pastel paintings. Spraying fixative can drastically alter the final piece. Instead, your finished painting should be protected behind glass. Please watch my video on “Caring for Your Soft Pastel Painting,” which is included in the class, for more detailed information.

  • Whether you're a complete beginner curious about PanPastel and pastel pencils or an experienced artist wanting to expand your skills, this course offers something for everyone. It's ideal for those who wish to demystify the medium, learn new techniques, and bring more joy and creativity into their lives. If you love vibrant colors, whimsical mushrooms, and want to add the magic of light in your artwork, "Guiding Light" is designed just for you.

  • PanPastel does not offer a pre-made set that includes all the colors I use most often. However, to make my classes more approachable, I have condensed my palette into a manageable number of colors. For this class, I approached color in a harmonious way to give you more confidence in using a limited palette. Here are the 12 colors that I use consistently.

    Phthalo Green

    Permanent Green Shade

    Ultramarine Blue

    Bright Yellow Green Shade

    Turquoise

    Burnt Sienna

    Diarylide Yellow

    Magenta

    Magenta Extra Dark

    White

    Black

    Permanent Red

    Since PanPastel doesn’t have a set that matches my palette, I recommend purchasing these colors individually if you don’t already have them. Receive 10% off art supplies at Merri Artists Use Coupon Code: DAWNVS

    Here is my page of some of my favorite supplies: https://merriartist.com/collections/dawn-vander-stoep

Guiding Light
$44.00
One time

Join me on this creative journey as we bring a charming bird to life, perched among enchanting mushrooms. Together, we'll explore the transformative power of value—your key to infusing your artwork with depth, dimension, and a radiant glow.

✓ Unlimited lifetime access
✓ Self-Paced Soft Pastel Class
✓ Includes Printable Line Art
✓ Supportive Class Assets File

SUPPLY LIST:

  • UART Sanded Pastel Paper - 600 DARK

    1 5x10 Piece of UART Paper

  • I have used many pastel papers and discovered that sanded pastel paper significantly enhances your experience with the medium. It allows for extensive layering and can be erased without damaging the paper. The sanded surface grips the medium effectively, eliminating the need for sealing or using fixatives on your artwork. I recommend the 600 grade of UART sanded paper because it doesn’t damage the Sofft Tools. Using different grades or other pastel papers can affect your experience with the medium.

  • If you can’t get the UART 600 Dark Sanded Pastel Paper what is most important is that it is a sanded fine grade pastel paper. Another that is not sanded but will work ok is Clairefontaine Pastelmat.

  • Wolff Carbon Pencil - 2B This pencil has more “staying power” than a regular pastel pencil. I explain more about it in the lesson.


    PanPastels

    Can you recommend a PanPastel set for me to buy?

    PanPastel does not offer a pre-made set that includes all the colors I use most often. However, to make my classes more approachable, I have condensed my palette into a manageable number of colors. For this class, I approached color in a harmonious way to give you more confidence in using a limited palette. Here are the 12 colors that I use for this class:

    • Phthalo Green

    • Permanent Green Shade

    • Ultramarine Blue

    • Bright Yellow Green Shade

    • Turquoise

    • Burnt Sienna

    • Diarylide Yellow

    • Magenta

    • Magenta Extra Dark

    • White

    • Black

    • Permanent Red

    Since PanPastel doesn’t have a set that matches my palette, I recommend purchasing these colors individually if you don’t already have them.

    Save 10% off Art Supplies at The Merri Artist

    Use coupon code: DAWNVS

    >>> Dawn Vander Stoep’s Favorite Supplies <<

    This is an affiliate link. I’m supporting a family-owned local art supply store called The Merri Artist. They have fabulous prices, fast shipping packaged with a lot of care,, and you can save 10% off your purchase.

    Mechanical Pencil .5

Pan Pastel Sofft Tools

  • CarbOthello Pastel Pencils Set of 48 I highly recommend the CarbOthello as a base starting set.

  • Stabilo CarbOthello Individual Pastel Pencils: I don’t use the whole set of 48 (I use 22 of them). Here are the individual pencils that I use for the class: Titanium White 100, Ivory 105, Orange Yellow 210, Orange 221, Carmine Red 310, Magenta 335, Ultramarine Blue 405, Ultramarine Blue Middle 430, Emerald Green 530, Emerald Green Light 545, Leaf Green Pale 560, Leaf Green Middle 570, Leaf Green 575, Viridian Matt 590, Dark Ochre 615, Caput Mortuum Violet Light 642, Burnt Sienna 670, Light Pink Tint 681, Neutral Black 750, Gray 1 700, Bistre 635, Naples Yellow 695

  • CaranDache Pastel Pencils: Aubergine 788 • 099, Portrait Pink 788 • 582, Ultramarine Pink 788 • 083, Bluish Grey 788 • 145,

  • Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils: I call this my shadow pencil 1122 - 175 it’s a favorite of mine, 1122 - 131.

Red Soft Pastel Stick (Optional)

  • I share with you how I use a red soft stick pastel to add some final pops of color to the piece. Soft pastel sticks come in different ranges of hard to very soft. I’m using a very soft red. I don’t have the exact color. I believethis stick pastel is a SCHMINCKE: Schmincke 046D Carmine Red or Schmincke 045D Madder Lake. Something similar will work fine too.

White Eraser

Mobius & Ruppert Brass Round Pencil Sharpener (M&R)

M&R Sharpener Replacement Blades

Artist Tape 3/4”White or Black

Wood Dowel

  • 3/4” x 19” I use this for stabilizing my hand on the easel while painting. They can be found at your local craft/hobby/hardware store.