Let Me Be Your Guide on Your Soft Pastel Journey.

Ready to elevate your pastel skills and experience the joy of creating with expert guidance? The Pastel Insider Membership is your all-access pass to exclusive lessons, in-depth techniques, and a supportive community designed to help you create your best work yet.

Why Join the Pastel Insider Membership?

If you’ve been enjoying my YouTube livestreams or online classes but crave more in-depth guidance, this membership is designed just for you. As a Pastel Insider member, you’ll unlock exclusive access to the complete lessons—step-by-step videos, original line art, and in-depth guidance to confidently recreate each piece.

With the Pastel Insider Membership, you’ll unlock a world of creativity and progress like never before. Whether you’re just starting your pastel journey or looking to refine your skills, this membership gives you the resources and confidence to grow.

Why These Lessons Are Different.

These exclusive lesson videos go far beyond simply watching me paint. Each lesson is carefully crafted to teach essential artistic principles that will elevate your skills and boost your confidence.

Pastel Insider

$19.99

Every month

Unlock full access to exclusive weekly lesson videos and original line art, thoughtfully designed to guide you through each step of the creative process. These lessons build on insights from my Tuesday livestreams, offering deeper learning and core techniques to elevate your art. As a member, you’ll also enjoy the bonus of accessing my entire library of online classes—past, present, and future—to support and inspire your artistic journey!

✓ Exclusive Step-by-Step Lessons

✓ Weekly Downloadable Line Art

✓ Full Access to All Online Classes

✓ Learn at Your Own Pace

✓ Supportive Creative Community

What You’ll Learn

Through this membership, I’ll share the tools, techniques, and insights you need to elevate your art and find your own creative voice:

Develop Core Techniques

Learn from my 7+ years of experience (in soft pastel) to save time and avoid common pitfalls, setting yourself up for success with this magical medium.

Understand the importance of materials and how to choose tools that enhance your pastel experience.

Bring Creativity to Life

Explore the process of deconstructing structure and infusing playful, abstract elements into your work.
Embrace whimsical mark-making techniques that grant you the freedom to explore and play while adding personality to your art.

Develop Strong Composition Skills

Learn how to use layers to compose a visually pleasing painting.
Gain confidence in core composition and design principles, helping you make decisions as you create.
See how to use resource images to give you a jump start on creating unique drawings to paint.

Deepen Your Knowledge of Pastels

Discover how PanPastel colors interact and how to use them effectively to create vibrant, harmonious artwork.
Learn the art of mixing colors to expand your palette and create stunning compositions.
Understand how PanPastel is structured so you can utilize the system fully.

Unlock the Secrets of Composition and Design

Core Composition Skills: Develop foundational composition techniques to guide your creative decisions and create balance in your work.
Layering Techniques: See how layering adds depth, richness, and a polished finish to your artwork.

Empower Your Artistic Journey

Discover how value can be your superpower, transforming your art with depth and dimension.
Watch as I share how I build my whimsical terrariums, offering unique insights into composition.
Most importantly, gain the skills and confidence to discover your own creative style and voice, making your art truly unique.

Why It Matters
This section is more than a list of skills—it’s an invitation to grow as an artist. You’ll gain the confidence to experiment, the tools to refine your techniques, and the freedom to explore your own creative style. Let this journey transform your art and inspire your creative soul.

What’s Included

Step-by-Step Weekly Lessons

Each week on Friday, you’ll unlock lesson videos that guide you through the complete process of creating that week’s pastel painting—from initial setup to the final finishing touches.

Original Line Art Downloads

Simplify the process with my original line art, provided for every weekly painting and in all my classes. These downloadable templates give you the same foundation I use, making it easy to jump right into the fun of painting and focus on honing your skills.

Full Library Access

Enjoy unlimited access to my entire library of online classes—past, present, and future. With lessons ranging from beginner-friendly techniques to advanced creative approaches, you’ll always have something new to learn.

Supportive Community

Connect with fellow pastel enthusiasts in an encouraging and positive environment. Share your progress, ask questions, and find inspiration from a growing community of like-minded creatives.

Livestreams

On Tuesdays, join me live on YouTube to ignite your creativity and be part of the action during my public livestreams on YouTube. These sessions are packed with inspiration, tips for working with soft pastel, and the joy of connecting with a vibrant creative community. Let’s spark creativity together!

When you join The Pastel Insider, you’ll get access to the exclusive Getting Started Guide, designed to make navigating the membership effortless!

Inside this guide, you'll find:
✔ Step-by-step guidance to help you know exactly where to begin.
✔ Essential supply recommendations to get started with confidence.
✔ Lesson roadmap so you can dive into your first painting with ease.

This guide is exclusively available to members of The Pastel Insider! Join today and start your creative journey with clarity and confidence!

Available Now!

Unlock instant access to a treasure trove of over 45 lessons, complete with original line art, the moment you join! And that’s just the beginning—each week, your membership grows with fresh, exclusive content, giving you endless opportunities to learn, create, and expand your skills.

In Floral Play, we’re mixing structure with spontaneity to create a vibrant, expressive bouquet full of movement and life. You’ll get a rare peek behind the scenes as I show you how I built the original line art for this piece—giving you fun drawing techniques you can try in your own way. From there, we’ll let loose with bold strokes, playful mark-making, and juicy layers of color. We’ll also tap into a double complementary color scheme to bring balance and harmony without overthinking it. Most of all, this lesson is about giving yourself permission to explore, take risks, and bring more joy and freedom into your painting process.

Are you ready to embark on a captivating journey with me? In Interconnectivity, we’ll explore how to create luminous, expressive artwork using just four essential tools: black PanPastel, a Sofft Tool applicator, erasers, and mixed media paper. Prepare to be amazed as I unveil the mesmerizing magic that can be achieved with these simple yet powerful materials—trust me, the results are truly breathtaking!

This lesson is a quiet, radiant exploration of value, contrast, and symbolism. Working entirely in black and white, we’ll use thoughtful value placement and eraser techniques to lift light from darkness—bringing this glowing bee and lotus to life and expressing the quiet power of connection through subtle shifts in tone.

As with all of my lessons, the original line art is included so you can fully focus on the technique and enjoy the experience of working with intention and ease.

In The Composition Within, we’ll explore how building a strong foundation can actually create more freedom in your painting process. I’ll guide you through how I created my own toned paper underpainting and used a value sketch to plan the lighting, helping bring clarity and glow to an otherwise abstract environment. You’ll learn how to use the Cruciform composition as a powerful tool to make confident choices, balancing structure with intuitive mark-making. Through PanPastel and pastel pencils, we’ll bring this radiant rabbit to life—merging thoughtful planning with expressive play, and discovering how composition and value work hand-in-hand to support a vibrant and luminous piece.

Step into the world of Imaginative Portraits, where creativity meets transformation. In this lesson, you’ll witness my own artistic journey—navigating challenges, making adjustments, and finding harmony between the portrait and its imaginative environment. This is one of my more challenging lessons, so I recommend watching it through first before diving in. Along the way, you’ll gain valuable insights into problem-solving, composition, and embracing the unexpected in your art.

Loosen up and explore my signature approach to mark-making and abstraction! In The Joy of Figurative Abstraction, you'll create a luminous figurative piece using PanPastel and pastel pencils, embracing color, texture, and spontaneity.

Discover the magic of color and light in Dreamscapes! In this soft pastel lesson, you’ll learn how to use light as a guide to create depth, contrast, and a glowing atmosphere in your landscape. Through intuitive mark-making and rich layers of PanPastel, you’ll bring a dreamy, imaginative scene to life. Perfect for artists looking to explore bold color choices and expressive techniques.

In this lesson, we’ll dive into the magic of creating glowing light using PanPastel and pastel pencils. You’ll see how subtle shifts in value and contrast can bring depth and atmosphere to your work. Watch as I build up rich layers, blend soft transitions, and add those final crisp details that make the mushrooms feel illuminated from within. This process is all about playing with light and shadow to create a sense of wonder.

Step into a world of vibrant color, intricate patterns, and glowing light as we bring this abstract-inspired bird to life! In this PanPastel and pastel pencil lesson, you’ll explore how to layer rich colors, use stencils for dynamic textures, and create luminosity that makes your artwork shine.

This lesson is a perfect introduction to creating abstract paintings with confidence. We’ll start with the core fundamentals of composition, explore intuitive color choices, and tap into creative decision-making. Using PanPastel, pastel pencils, and stencils, I’ll guide you step by step through the process of building an expressive abstract painting.

Discover how light and shadow work together to transform a flat surface into a beautifully sculpted form. In this lesson, we’ll use the chiaroscuro technique to bring a sense of drama and depth to a striking horse painting. You'll also explore multiple approaches to painting hair, from bold, simple strokes to finely detailed textures, while learning how to harmonize colors for a rich and cohesive final piece.

Explore the power of value in this week’s lesson, Amanita. Using a limited complementary color palette, learn step-by-step how to create depth and light in an imaginative portrait. Includes original line art to help you bring your own version of Amanita to life!

We’re diving into the exciting world of freeform abstract painting together. Using PanPastel, pastel pencils, and stencils, I’ll help make sense of creating an abstract and guide you to loosen up along the way. Discover how to create a solid base layer using stencils and fixative, so you can paint over it without disrupting the base layer—letting the stencil design shine through! It’s such an inspiring and fun technique that I can’t wait to share with you.

This vibrant and whimsical painting brings two owls to life in a magical scene that’s perfect for sparking your creativity. In this lesson, we’ll explore how to create soft mist and atmospheric clouds using PanPastel, while also incorporating the stunning shimmer of Gold PanPastel to add a touch of magic and light.

Discover the magic of mixed media as we combine vibrant, splashy watercolor with the power of soft pastels on UART 600 Sanded Pastel Paper. I’ll guide you step-by-step to layer bold, dynamic colors, add glowing textures, and finish with playful mark-making using pastel pencils. This lesson is all about creating striking details and bringing your owl to life with depth and personality!

Join me in this third creative exploration as we combine watercolor and soft pastel to bring an abstract piece to life. We’ll begin with a vibrant, fluid watercolor underpainting on UART 600 Sanded Pastel Paper, laying the foundation for a glowing, dynamic cruciform composition. Next, I’ll show you how to elevate the piece with soft pastel, layering rich, vibrant colors to create depth. With expressive mark-making, pastel pencil, and stick details, we’ll add texture and light into this joyful piece.

Combine watercolor and soft pastel to bring this imaginative figure to life on UART 600 Sanded Pastel Paper. Start with a vibrant watercolor underpainting, then layer rich colors and soft skin tones with pastel. Add texture, highlights, and personality with expressive mark-making and pastel pencil details for a glowing, dynamic finish!

Discover the connection between the spiritual and natural worlds in this inspiring lesson. Using PanPastel and pastel pencils, I'll guide you step-by-step to create a glowing, symbolic piece featuring animal spirit guides. Explore layering techniques, soft textures, and vibrant hues to bring your artwork to life.

This week’s piece, Muse of Creativity, brings vibrant energy to life with PanPastel and pastel pencils on UART Dark 600 sanded paper. Discover my unique layering technique that starts with a smooth PanPastel underpainting, followed by lively, scribbled textures. I hope this inspires you to explore your own personal mark-making.

Join me as I share with you how I bring The Oracle to life using only Black PanPastel and erasers. Watch as I block in values, create intricate line work with the Mono Zero Pen Eraser, and add light and texture to the full moon and raven. You’ll also discover how I use erasers to create a misty, foggy effect, adding depth and atmosphere to the scene.

This week, I’m bringing a whimsical organic abstract painting to life. I’ll be using PanPastel, pastel pencils, and incorporating some sticks to create this joyful piece.

Replay Now Available from our Pastel Insider Member live event. Together, we'll explore techniques to create dramatic lighting and depth using PanPastel and pastel pencils.

Unlock the secrets to creating confident abstracts with Path to Abstract! In this lesson, you’ll learn how to build structure, establish focal points, and bring a glowing light to your work through a balanced composition. Watch as we transform an initial drawing into a vibrant abstract, step by step, making each layer come alive. Perfect for those looking to explore the freedom of abstract with a solid foundation!

Join me as I bring The Enchanted Realm to life! This week, I’ll be drawing inspiration from playful tree frogs and adding a collage vibe with stencils and creative elements. You’ll see how easy it is to experiment with soft pastels as I incorporate pastel pencils and whimsical mark-making, layering to elevate the piece.

This week, I’m bringing a whimsical Mother Nature-inspired character to life. Her serene face and interwoven branches, home to swallows and birdhouses, symbolize harmony between humanity and nature. I’ll be using PanPastel and pastel pencils to create this magical piece.

Discover the power of light and shadow in Guided By Value, where we explore creating depth and contrast using the magic of black PanPastels, stencils, and erasers. This lesson is all about trusting the creative process and letting value guide your artistic journey.

This week we're creating The Dreamer, a whimsical soft pastel painting. I’ll guide you through establishing structure at the start, then breaking it down as the painting evolves, allowing each element to connect organically. We’ll use pastel pencils for texture and finish with a few pastel sticks for the final touches.

Join me as I bring this whimsical bird to life! I’ll be sharing with you my loose and colorful approach to abstract painting. We are focusing on play and incorporating fun mark-making techniques. I’ll be using PanPastel, pastel pencils, and sticks!

This week, I’m bringing "Forest Royalty" to life, using the dynamic power of using complimentary colors purple and yellow to create a mysterious, star-filled background. Watch as I add finishing touches with PanPastel, pastel pencils, and sticks to bring out the magic.

What Members Are Saying

Louise Balland

“I cannot recommend Dawn enough as a teacher, the time she spends investing in our learning experience is incredible. Her lessons are so detailed and her weekly You Tube lives have introduced a wonderful supportive community that I love being a part of. The added bonus content as a Pastel Insider to use alongside the lives has been amazing. Dawn has been so supportive in my creative journey always offering support and feedback, I am super grateful to be in Dawn’s community, she has raised my confidence so much and I will be forever grateful.”

Sarah Williams

“I have to say I am absolutely loving Dawn's Pastel Insider and these weekly live demos are just awesome. Unlike most art instructors out there who, lets face it, are just arting while we watch, Dawn actually gives clear instruction and explains her method concisely. So thank you Dawn for taking the time to offer your insight and to cultivate a pan pastel community. Love it.”

Susan Thames

"I highly recommend The Pastel Insider! Dawn is an amazingly generous teacher. Regularly she posts a lesson using Panpastel in a variety of ways. Incorporating Pastel pencils and even teaching how to use gold panpastel in pastel paintings. She has years of experience and generously shares her knowledge with her students. She details in a pdf for exactly the colors needed for each project and even provides the line art. This membership is well worth the investment!."

Karen Marshall

"As a retired decorative art instructor, I was searching for something creative to fill my days when I discovered Dawn Vander Stoep’s work. Watching her create whimsical and abstract paintings using PanPastels and pastels was mesmerizing, and I knew immediately I’d found what I was looking for.

Dawn’s generosity and sincerity set her apart. She shares her talent through live YouTube sessions, fostering a vibrant, supportive community of artists from around the world. Being part of her ‘Pastel Insider’ group has brought me so much joy and inspiration, and her lessons are truly the highlight of my week."

Michellee Leslie

"Since finding that Dawn was on You Tube close to a year ago, I have been watching her create her art pieces with so much information about Pastels and how to layer them and what paper to use. I have managed to do my own original Pet Portraits using techniques I have learnt watching Dawn create. I have also learnt to create Bright Vibrant Animal portraits as well that have been sold or are hanging up in my home.

Since joining her Pastel Insider membership for pretty much the price of one coffee a week (Australian) My art pieces that I am creating have stepped up to a whole new level, I have learnt some valuable information, with the Line art supplied I can then concentrate on the lesson that is being shown and if I choose I can also then do my own design based on her line art (which I did do with a penguin in remembrance of my sister) without dawn's teachings this would not of been possible. The Pastel Insider has all framing information and even how to store your pieces of art. These lessons have to be the best value for money I have ever purchased. Dawn's easy-going mannerism and chilled vibes gives you the feeling that you are doing a class with a best friend. Highly recommend joining her Pastel Insider"

Suzanne Hamilton

"Dawn and Panpastels are a beautiful pairing! Her enthusiasm for the medium is contagious and her extraordinary magical art is inspiring. Dawn’s love and skill for teaching shine through in all her lessons. I’d been interested in trying Panpastels so when I came across Dawn’s Youtube lessons, I decided it was time! I enrolled in Dawn’s Pastel Insider Membership and quickly learned the ins and outs of using this medium. Dawn’s generous and kind spirit, along with her Panpastel expertise, make the membership a beautifully fun place to be. If you’ve been thinking about it, just go for it, and enjoy the colorful world awaiting you!"

Access to All My Online Classes

As a member, you’ll unlock full access to every online class I’ve ever created! Whether you’re just getting started with pastels or want to dive deeper into advanced techniques, you’ll have unlimited access to all past and future classes. Each course is designed to help you master soft pastels, develop your own style, and nurture your creativity.

A Mixed Media Adventure with Black PanPastel.

Ignite your creativity with Simply Magic 2, a step-by-step course where you’ll create a stunning 18x24 whimsical guide infused with your personal Word of the Year. Choose from six hand-drawn inspirational words—or craft your own—and bring deeper meaning to your creative journey.

Dive into the limitless potential of PanPastel and pastel pencils as we craft mesmerizing layers of texture and explore the art of blending abstract elements into your work. This class offers a step-by-step look at my creative process, honed over years, to help you unlock techniques that make your art truly unique. Plus, enjoy the flexibility of using provided line art, so you can focus on painting and let your creativity flow.

Are you ready to embark on a captivating journey with me? Together, we'll explore creating stunning artwork using only five essential tools: black PanPastel, Sofft Tool applicators, erasers, mixed media paper, and the extraordinary gold paint from Golden. So brace yourself for the enchanting results that await you!

In this class, we’ll dive into the magic of soft pastels as we use PanPastel and pastel pencils to create a whimsical bird scene. I’ll guide you step-by-step through blending vibrant colors, adding whimsical details, and using light to bring depth and radiance to your artwork. Together, we’ll explore how value and light can transform your art and bring it to life!

Join me in this soft pastel class as we explore the limitless possibilities of PanPastel and uncover the key steps to unlocking your creativity. Dive into simplified composition, value, and color while learning techniques to make your artwork truly unique. Together, we’ll build luminous layers of light, creating color harmony that makes your painting glow.

In this lesson, I’ll guide you through a comprehensive overview of soft pastels with a focus on PanPastel, sharing insights from my years of experience with this incredible medium. To make the process easy, I’ve included two pre-drawn owl templates—no drawing required! You’ll also learn about the supplies that ensure a positive and rewarding pastel experience. By breaking down the mysteries of this beautiful medium, my goal is to leave you feeling empowered and inspired to create with confidence.

Unlock your imagination and explore a world of vibrant colors and luminous light in this enchanting online class. Using PanPastel and pastel pencils, you’ll learn to create whimsical terrariums—magical worlds of flowers, foliage, and light that symbolize nurturing inner happiness. Dive into my techniques and insights to bring these joyful creations to life!

Join me on a journey to explore the endless potential of pastels as I share the creative process I’ve developed over the past seven years. Inspired by the bumblebee and its connection to nature, this class invites you to capture their energy and spirit in your own artwork. I’m excited to share this meaningful experience with you.