When you pick up a pastel stick for the first time something really cool happens. The color starts to blend wherever you touch it. You can see what you are doing. There is no man. Just you, the pastel stick and the color. It is like having a conversation with the painting. Most people take classes to get better at drawing. They end up getting something more. Click here!
The way you look at the world changes a bit. You start to notice light in a way. It is not just light anymore. It is warm or cool, sharp or soft. You start to see how it bounces off things. Once you notice this you cannot stop seeing it. Taking a class really helps you see this faster. If you try to learn on your own you might get stuck making the mistakes over and over. A class can help you get past those mistakes in just a few weeks.
Using pastels is a little different from painting with a brush. With pastels you are touching the paper directly. You can see what you are doing. This can feel a little scary at first. It is worth it. Once you get used to it you will feel more confident.
A lot of people who teach themselves pastels have trouble layering the color. It is hard to know how to build up the color without making a mess. If you take a class you can watch someone who knows what they are doing. They can show you how to do it. This is really helpful.
Do not buy a lot of art supplies. Just get what you need for the class. A lot of companies try to sell you things you do not need. They say that their products will make you a better artist. That is not true. The only way to get better is to practice.
You might feel like you are getting worse at pastels after a weeks. That is okay. It is actually a sign that you are getting better. You are just noticing your mistakes more. Every pastel artist goes through this. It will get better.
Being in a class, with people is really helpful. You can learn from them. They can learn from you. You might see someone doing something that you have been trying to figure out. You might hear a tip that helps you.
Yes you will get dust everywhere. That is just part of it.
So show up to the class be curious and do not be afraid to make mistakes. That is how you get better at painting.