Pastel Portrait Studio Workshop with Gillian Lee Smith

This one-day workshop will be held in my Studio in Northumberland.

Dates - Saturday, 24th September 2026
Time - 10 am to 4 pm
Location - The Old Bath House Studio, Broomhill, Northumberland
Skill Level - Any skill level

Workshop Details

Conte and pastel are beautiful media for exploring portraiture. We will be working from reference images - first with quick exercises to develop expressive ways and working with a limited colour palette. In the afternoon, we will create one or two drawings, building up layers and working with gesture, shadow, light and colour.

The workshop will combine demonstrations, quick exercises leading to a more considered drawing and plenty of support and one-to-one guidance from Gillian.

What will I learn?

An introduction to the mediums of conte and pastel
Examples of the ways artists use pastels and conte in portraiture
Ways to build layers of shadow and light and create three-dimensional forms
Drawing shapes and shadows rather than the details of features
Expressive mark-making and line using conte and pastels
Quick exercises to free you up
Working with gesture and layers to build up an expressive portrait in conte and pastel

You will end the day with several studies and one or two more considered drawings.

Materials

All materials are provided

Cost

£110 for the day's workshop including materials and refreshments. Please bring your own lunch.

Terms and Conditions

Clothing

This is a working studio, so please wear old clothing and/or bring an overshirt or apron.

Refreshments

Refreshments will be provided. Please bring your own lunch. There is a microwave and kettle in the studio should you wish to heat anything up.

Seating

My studio has stools which can be used when working. However, if you wish for a more comfortable seat during break times, please bring a camp chair!

Materials

All materials are provided unless otherwise stated in the workshop description.

Other Info

Gillian will send a reminder email one week prior to the workshop date with studio directions and any other info. Please make sure your email address is correct when booking the workshop.

Cancellations

Places for this workshop are very limited.

Student cancellations up until 14 days prior to the workshop date will be fully refunded if your place can be filled by another participant. In the event your place can not be filled, your fee will act as credit towards a future workshop
.
For any cancellations less than 14 days prior to the workshop, your booking may be transferred to a future workshop.

In the event a workshop needs to be cancelled by Gillian Lee Smith due to illness or unforeseen events, you will have the choice for either

To receive a full refund
Or your booking to be transferred to a future workshop