Aivazovsky was an Armenian artist who lived between 1817 and 1900. He was part of the Romanticism movement and is known as a master of marine (sea) art. He work both as an individual artist and as a painter for the Russian navy. His work inspires artists around the world long after his death. In […]
Ivan Aivazovsky: Stormy Sea at Night (Soft Pastel) Read More »
Hydrangeas are gorgeous. They exude color and are strikingly beautiful. Hydrangeas are also a great subject for a newer artist to create. As student progress through this project they will learn how to apply the pastel, how to blend it, and the basic steps to developing a fine art project.
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During the periods of expansion privateers were fighting ships for hire. A privateer ship was often commissioned by a government. They would attack enemy ships to loot them. Privateer ships could keep much of the bounty from their conquests. Many of our stories about pirates come from the actions of privateers. Join Sharon in creating
Privateers: Pirate Ship (Soft Pastel) Read More »
Sometimes I would like to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In my dreams I am a little girl again living out in the country where the wild flowers grow. I remember that many spring mornings I would jump out of bed and run outside to gather flowers for my mom.
Lessons in Soft Pastel: Farmhouse on the Prairie Read More »
Enjoy this sample project at no cost! This project is a simple, one lesson masterpiece. Many of our other projects are 3-7 lessons long and teach the techniques as well. Enjoy!
Lessons in Soft Pastel: Free Sample Project Read More »
Travel almost anywhere in the world and you will find gorgeous vistas. Some of the most breathtaking views can be taken in from looking down from the top of terraces on a hill and mountain side. For many who find them, every sense is heightened by the magnificent beauty that stretches out before them. Join
Lessons in Soft Pastel: Terrace View Read More »
Windmills have been built by the people of Holland for centuries. Visitors to Holland are often struck by the old world charm and variety of the windmills they encounter. These windmills were used to grind corn, drain water, power saws, hull rice and barley, make chalk and oil, and many other things as well. Join
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Join Sharon Hofer as she takes you to the Sweetgrass Hills of Montana where she grew up. Sharon will guide you step by step through the creation of this serene landscape. In this project you will learn and apply a more difficult level of soft pastel painting. As students finish this project they will have learned
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As a young girl one of Sharon’s favorite stories was “The Ugly Duckling”. The ugly duckling turned out to be a beautiful Swan! Every time you paint a picture or create a new project there will be times when you think it will turn out to be an ugly duckling. However, if you just keep
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In the farming areas of the United States many families wake up to the crow of the rooster. They strut around the yard as if they are the king of the acreage. They are regal and filled with lots of color. That’s why it is so fun to paint them! In this exciting project Sharon
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