Nancy Nowak Fine Art

Being the workshop chairperson for our Southeastern Pastel Society has it’s perks. I get to coordinate and work with many well known, talented pastel instructors that fly in to the Atlanta area to teach. I don’t actually get a chance to paint in the workshop, since I am busy setting up breakfast and lunch for everyone (yes, all included in the workshop fee) and taking care of the instructors and students needs. It’s lots of work but I love getting to know the instructors and the participants very well over the 3 days. Also, I get to watch the demos and teaching styles of these fabulous artists.

This past weekend, Master Pastelist Frank Federico, the 2012 Pastel Society of America Hall of Fame Honoree, taught a 3 day workshop for our group. He was such a joy to host, with his vibrant personality, and zest for painting belying his 86 years. He is a wonderful teacher and stretched his students working styles.

Day One Demo: Frank working on UArt sanded paper painted yellow with gouache underpainting

 

 

 

 

 

Day 3: Federico painting with the reference photo upside down for the whole painting on white Uart sanded paper with gouache underpainting  (seeing just shapes and values)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See Frank Federico’s work at: http://www.frankfederico.com

Now that the workshop is over, I woke up inspired to try Federico’s techniques. Using a piece of his yellow prepared surface, I did a quick value study and gouache underpainting using Alizarin and Prussian Blue. Here’s my version. His idea was to get the yellow peaking through the painting to give it an added sparkle.

I might have gotten carried away with color but it was so much fun!

Golden Morning 9 x 12 pastel

 

 

 

Golden Morning 9 x 12 pastel by Nancy Nowak