Gage Academy of Art

June 6-7 (Saturday-Sunday)

9:30am- 4:30pm (Pacific Time)

Tuition: $408 (All Levels)

Charcoal and Pastel Portraits on Toned Paper

In this weekend class, students will create charcoal and pastel portraits on toned paper, learning a clear, step-by-step approach to drawing the head with structure, depth, and believable light. Working on toned paper allows students to think in terms of middle value, adding both light and shadow to build form quickly and effectively.

We will focus on the four essential elements of strong drawing: proportion, value, edges, and simple color relationships (using pastel for light accents and temperature shifts). Students will work from both photo reference and a live model to understand how to apply the same process in different situations.

Each session includes live demonstrations by Dominique and individual critiques for every student. This class emphasizes observation, simplicity, and confident mark-making, helping students strengthen their ability to see accurately and build form with clarity.