3-DAY

PASTEL PAINTING

WORKSHOP

WITH ARTIST ELLEN WAGENER

artistportrait

Join internationally recognized pastel artist Ellen Wagener for a three-day workshop focused exclusively on landscape painting in pastel. Designed for artists of all skill levels — including beginners — this workshop emphasizes process, exploration, and expressive mark-making rather than completing polished final pieces.

Through a combination of studio instruction and outdoor (plein air) painting, participants will learn practical pastel techniques they can continue to use long after the workshop ends. Ellen’s teaching style encourages observation, intuition, and “letting go,” creating a supportive environment where everyone can succeed and even surprise themselves.

Instruction will focus on:

  • Pastel landscape techniques and expressive mark-making
  • Painting skies, clouds, sunrises, sunsets, and atmosphere
  • Color theory, contrast, and layering
  • Using dark values and black to create depth and mood
  • Finger blending, pastel pencils, and efficient outdoor methods
  • Composing landscapes inspired by Iowa’s natural surroundings, including native grasses, crops, water, and seasonal color

The workshop will include indoor studio sessions at the Maquoketa Art Experience and outdoor painting sessions at nearby Prairie Creek Recreation Area, weather permitting. Demonstrations, guided exercises, individual feedback, and group discussion will be incorporated throughout the three days. Participants are welcome to work from the provided inspiration or bring their own photographs if they wish.

No previous experience is required. Beginning artists will build a strong foundation, while more experienced painters will refine and expand their approach to landscape painting.

Materials

  • Sanded pastel paper will be provided
  • Participants should bring their own pastels

Schedule

  • Daily sessions run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with breaks included
  • What we’ll explore & Supply List

Enrollment

  • Minimum enrollment of 10 students

Cost

  • $200.00 

Register online or in person by July 1

Click Here to Register

Ellen Wagener is an American artist that has long been recognized as one of Midwest's premiere landscapists. Her work demonstrates her awareness of the great tradition of landscape painting in Europe and the US, whether it is the 17th century Dutch and the Hudson River Valley School or Grant Wood, from her native Eastern Iowa. Long known for her wide horizons, big skies, and long rows of planted fields, Wagener is also known for making "epic series paintings," including "F5, Tornado," measuring over 5 feet x 28 feet, permanent collection of the Figge Art Museum, Davenport, Iowa. Her work is included in numerous national collections, including, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Figge Art Museum, University of Arizona Museum of Art, Iowa State University, Stanely Art Museum (UI), the US Embassies Art Program, among others. Her dramatic "Four Seasons" series is permanently installed in the 9th District Federal Court House in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Ellen's paintings are represented in Los Angelos by Bridge Projects, Olson Larsen Gallery (W. Des Moines) and J. Cacciola Gallery, NYC. Ellen currently lives and works on the road in Arizona. Her hands are rarely clean.

https://www.olsonlarsen.com/artist/ellen-wagener

Ellen Wagener’s workshop is made possible in part by the generous support of the following sponsors: Ann & Bob Osterhaus, John & Christine Gilroy, Nancy & Dale Kilburg, Maquoketa State Bank, Roger & Jennie Stewart, and Al & Myrna Tubbs.