Drawing: colour pastel techniques

ByCity Lit

Drawing

Beginner

A beginner-level course exploring oil and soft pastel techniques through studio tasks, demonstrations and drawing from observation and secondary sources.

About this course

The course introduces oil and soft pastels as drawing media, with participants exploring mark-making, colour mixing and blending techniques. They will work from observation and secondary sources, developing pastel compositions and combining oil pastel with other drawing and painting media. Teaching includes tutor demonstrations, presentations, one-to-one guidance, practical studio tasks and group discussion. The course also considers how to select subject matter and supports for pastel projects.

What you'll learn

  • Apply a range of mark-making techniques with pastels
  • Use colour mixing and blending methods effectively
  • Begin drawing with pastels from observation and secondary sources
  • Select suitable subject matter and supports for pastel projects
  • Combine pastels with other drawing and painting media

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for beginners and learners exploring or developing their oil pastel skills. Participation combines studio-based practical tasks with demonstrations, one-to-one guidance, presentations and group discussion. Learners should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information.

  • Suitable for beginners and those developing their oil pastel skills
  • Includes group discussion and presentations as well as practical studio work
  • Requires learners to follow simple written and verbal instructions

Before you go

  • All drawing materials are provided.
  • Learners may bring their own oil pastels if they have them.

Class teacher

  • Ro Sylvester

    Class teacher

Where this course runs

City Lit

London's largest adult education provider

45 drawing courses on Learn.London

Upcoming classes

4 classes

Selected date

Thu 12 Nov 2026

14:00 – 17:00 • 4 weeks

£229

Keeley Street, Covent Garden

Ro SylvesterClass teacher
Book this class →

Other available dates

  • Tue 19 Jan 2027

    14:00 – 17:00 • 4 weeks

    Keeley Street, Covent Garden

    Ro Sylvester

    £229

  • Tue 1 Jun 2027

    10:00 – 13:00 • 4 weeks

    Keeley Street, Covent Garden

    Ro Sylvester

    £229

  • Thu 1 Jul 2027

    10:00 – 13:00 • 4 weeks

    Keeley Street, Covent Garden

    Ro Sylvester

    £229

StartsScheduleLengthTeacherVenuePrice
19 Jan 2027
Tuesdays
14:00 - 17:00
Short course4 weeks
RoSylvester
Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA
£229.00
1 Jun 2027
Tuesdays
10:00 - 13:00
Short course4 weeks
RoSylvester
Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA
£229.00
1 Jul 2027
Thursdays
10:00 - 13:00
Short course4 weeks
RoSylvester
Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA
£229.00
  • Thu 12 Nov, 14:00 - 17:00

    Book now
    4 weeks
    Keeley Street
    4 weeksThu 14:00£229
    RoSylvesterKeeley Street
    RoSylvester
    £229
  • Tue 19 Jan, 14:00 - 17:00

    4 weeks
    Keeley Street
    4 weeksTue 14:00£229
    RoSylvesterKeeley Street
    RoSylvester
    £229
  • Tue 1 Jun, 10:00 - 13:00

    4 weeks
    Keeley Street
    4 weeksTue 10:00£229
    RoSylvesterKeeley Street
    RoSylvester
    £229
  • Thu 1 Jul, 10:00 - 13:00

    4 weeks
    Keeley Street
    4 weeksThu 10:00£229
    RoSylvesterKeeley Street
    RoSylvester
    £229

Showing 1 to 4 of 4 classes

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