Explore the Art of Chalk Pastels in Free Virtual Series

Discover the joy of soft chalk pastels with AARP Wyoming’s engaging, free virtual workshop series, starting on Jan. 18, from 10-11:30 a.m. via Zoom. This eight-week series offers participants a chance to connect with a vibrant creative community while learning the fundamentals and advanced techniques of this fast-working and versatile medium.

How to Join - Registration is required for each session by clicking here. Sign in to your AARP.org account or create a free account to register. AARP membership is not required. Zoom links will be emailed to registrants before each class.

Each session focuses on a specific theme and builds on the skills learned in previous weeks. The classes are recorded and available at aarp.org/wyondemand, so participants can join at any time during the series and catch up on past lessons. A recommended supply list will be provided in your confirmation email, but participants are welcome to join even if they don’t have all the materials.

About the SeriesSoft chalk pastels are perfect for creating beautiful works of art in just a few hours or less. This series will guide participants through techniques such as layering, blending, and capturing light, while covering a range of subjects like florals, landscapes, still life, and even abstract designs. You’ll also learn how to preserve and frame your artwork.

Class Schedule:

• January 18 – Session 1: Let’s Get Started - Introduction to supplies, layering techniques, and the basics of composition. Participants will start a simple still life and learn to achieve bright, clear tones through layering.
• January 25 – Session 2: Adding More Detail - Dive deeper into background and foreground techniques and work on a more detailed still life composition.
• February 1 – Session 3: Let’s Start a Landscape - Learn the fundamentals of landscape drawing, including creating depth, perspective, and a glowing underpainting.
• February 8 – Session 4: Landscapes Continued - Explore seasonal landscapes with fall colors, snowy scenes, and frozen water effects.
• February 15 – Session 5: Spring Florals -Celebrate the season with vibrant blooms like daffodils, tulips, and crocuses.
• February 22 – Session 6: Summer Florals - Create bold flowers like sunflowers and poppies while applying advanced petal and leaf techniques.
• March 1 – Session 7: Fur and Other Textures - Focus on capturing realistic textures such as fur, eyes, and whiskers, as well as glass and metal in still life.
• March 8 – Session 8: Wild Colors and Abstract - Let your imagination run wild with vibrant abstracts and fun-colored animals as the series concludes.

Explore More - Don’t miss this chance to learn a new skill and connect with fellow creatives. If you miss a class or want to revisit a session, recorded classes are available at aarp.org/wyondemand. Explore additional AARP Wyoming events and recordings of past programs online.

For more information, contact Jennifer Baier at: jbaier@aarp.org.