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Chalk Pastels for Beginners

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Shelby Abrahamsen (Foxsy)

Class Description:

Have a set of pastels and are totally lost on what to do with them? It’s time to bust them out and see what they are capable of! In this class, you’ll learn the fundamentals of this vibrant medium. We’ll cover the different types of pastels, how to apply color effectively, and various blending techniques that create stunning visual effects. Emphasizing experimentation and play, this class encourages students to develop their own unique styles while providing essential tips and insights for producing beautiful pastel artworks.

What You Will Learn:

  • The distinction between different pastels and their applications.
  • Techniques for applying pastels in a variety of ways.
  • Methods for blending colors for various effects.
  • Insights on choosing the right paper for your pastel creations.
  • Recommendations for using fixatives to protect finished pieces.
  • Tips for using pastels in a sketchbook with minimal mess.

Supplies You'll Need:

  • Chalk pastels
  • Sketchbook paper, mixed media paper, or cardstock
  • Blending tools (blending stumps, Q-tips, makeup sponges, etc.)
  • Fixative spray (optional)

About Instructor

Shelby Abrahamsen (Foxsy)

Shelby is the co-founder of Foxsy and the creator at Little Coffee Fox. She is a professional watercolorist, letterer, and artist with a passion for teaching others to reintroduce creativity back into their lives. Shelby lives in Chicago, IL with her husband Jon and her pets Summer, Basil, and Korra.

229 Classes

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Class Details:

  • 📊Level: Beginner
  • ⏰Time: 1 Hour, 44 Minutes

Class Pass includes:

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Be Part of the Foxsy Revolution

Join a thriving community of over 2,300 students, all united by a shared love for creativity. Together, let's paint a brighter, more creative future.

  • Access 311 classes with 250+ hours of content.
  • Work through over 400 lessons and 70+ projects.
  • Access the Watercolor Academy, Drawing Bootcamp, & Modern Lettering Academies.
  • Join weekly live classes.
  • Get personalized feedback on all projects.
  • Get real answers to your questions with Creative Support.
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  • “As a total beginner when I started, I’m amazed at the amount of skill and knowledge I gained. There’s a wide variety of courses so you can’t get bored.

    There’s always another challenge in the next class. Really appreciated the personal feedback when I submitted projects.
    Janet G
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    (I 'm still getting used to this lol)”
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    As a chronic copier of other people's art, the tips offered here will help me with my own creative process and prevent the block that I feel with "what next"."
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  • "This was so helpful! I loved the way Shelby broke down the basics in a succinct way and tips to use while practicing. Lastly, I appreciated Shelby mentioning that everyone is going to have a unique bounce lettering style.

    As someone who is new to brush lettering in general, I've been copying a lot of what I see. I need that consistent reminder to avoid potential frustration, especially as a beginner!"
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    The explanations were amazing and helpful and I really felt confident in doing the project. This was probably the best watercolor lesson I've ever taken and enjoyed."
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    It has improved my lettering knowledge and given me confidence to keep practicing."
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  • Project feedback from Foxsy Pros
  • Unlimited creative support

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All Foxsy Memberships include:

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  • Access to The Watercolor Academy, The Modern Lettering Academy & Drawing Bootcamp
  • Access to exclusive weekly live classes
  • Fox Den Community Access
  • Project feedback from Foxsy Pros
  • Unlimited creative support

Monthly Membership

$29 / month
Go Monthly

All Foxsy Memberships include:

  • Access to the full 250+ class library
  • Access to The Watercolor Academy, The Modern Lettering Academy & Drawing Bootcamp
  • Access to exclusive weekly live classes
  • Fox Den Community Access
  • Project feedback from Foxsy Pros
  • Unlimited creative support

Yearly Membership

$164 / year
Go Yearly

All Foxsy Memberships include:

  • Access to the full 250+ class library
  • Access to The Watercolor Academy, The Modern Lettering Academy & Drawing Bootcamp
  • Access to exclusive weekly live classes
  • Fox Den Community Access
  • Project feedback from Foxsy Pros
  • Unlimited creative support

Lifetime Membership

$599 Never pay a subscription fee again.
Get Lifetime Access

All Foxsy Memberships include:

  • Access to the full 250+ class library
  • Access to The Watercolor Academy, The Modern Lettering Academy & Drawing Bootcamp
  • Access to exclusive weekly live classes
  • Fox Den Community Access
  • Project feedback from Foxsy Pros
  • Unlimited creative support
All plans come with a 30-day Money Back Guarantee.
Cancel anytime in your dashboard.
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Ratings and Reviews

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What's your experience? We'd love to know!
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Posted 2 months ago
informative

I really enjoyed this class. This morning I purchased a used box of Blick pastels for only fifty cents. It was hardly used. I was happy to find this course and wish I has watched it when it was live, but I didn't know pastels would be something I might want to try. Thank you so much!

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karenjanerealtor
Posted 1 year ago
Live Class Review

Great Class!

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kolina-winburn
Posted 1 year ago
Live Class Review

So informative to basically cover a whole medium in one class it was also great to see Shelby's enthusiasm about the discovery process as we went along. Covered everything from materials to blending to paper to common pitfalls. Would absolutely love to have more beginner media covered in the future.

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dcarson
Posted 1 year ago
Live Class Review

A very good intro class on chalk pastels. Good for beginners like me.

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Zoie
Posted 1 year ago
Live Class Review

It was a fantastic class Shelby and I would love to see more about pastels. I would love you to take each type of pastel medium and provide us with classes. We can all learn together (or relearn in your case). I absolutely loved the apple that you did - it was wonderful watching it come together. All of our pastel people in the class were so helpful too.

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runningwater
Posted 1 year ago
Live Class Review

I am so glad Shelby taught a chalk pastels class. It is one of my favorite mediums. Very thorough and lots of class participation and interaction.

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Bobbie
Posted 1 year ago
Live Class Review

And a lot of fun and it was very informative we got a lot of tips and tricks , and played with them, Also lots of really cool improvised tools

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prpldy
Posted 1 year ago
Live Class Review

Very informative class on supplies, pastels, and lots of tips. It was great to see Shelby’s finished apple that looked so juicy and sweet. Lots of fun playing with pastels, and seeing what they would do on different types and colors of paper. Great class if you know nothing about soft pastels.

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imoya
Posted 1 year ago
Live Class Review

I couldn't attend the live class, 1.30 am, too tired, too cold, asleep. Loved the replay. It was very informative and inspiring. Time to dust off the pastel box and start enjoying its contents. Thank you.

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LindaH
Posted 1 year ago
Live Class Review

I've only just got my Pastels for this Class I learned alot about them I'm looking forward to playing a bit with them while I con't to learn more

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