Tracy Vernon Art

Spend a morning or afternoon painting with Tracy en plein air or in the studio at her home in Montague, MA. Lessons are tailored made to the individual and may include:

  • Composing an effective painting.
  • Mapping value structure.
  • Building color confidence.
  • Understanding aerial perspective.
  • Choosing your palette.
  • Exploring under-painting.
  • Developing good habits.

SUPPLY LIST

PASTELS:

There are many beautiful pastels on the market. This is something you won’t want to skimp on by buying non-professional grade. The brands I use are NuPastels, Terry Ludwig, Sennelier, Unison, Girault, and Blue Earth. Ideally, you’ll want a range of values in each color on the color wheel.

If you are just starting out, half stick sets are available with brands like Sennilier and Unison. NuPastels are available in a range of size boxes. These sets are of good value. You can add more pastels to your supplies later as you discover which brands feel right to your approach to painting.

PAPERS:

There is a variety of pastel papers on the market. Choosing which type is your favorite will require experimenting until you find the one(s) that best suit your style. I use UART sanded pastel paper. Clairefontaine Pastelmat, and Canson Mi Tientes. Sample packs of paper are available through Dakota Pastels.

PLEIN AIR SET-UP:

For me, the simpler and lighter my plein air set-up is the better. In the studio I don’t have to worry about carrying things from place to place so I benefit from everything nearby. With outdoor painting there are two categories; the essentials and the what if’s? I tend to leave the later behind.

ESSENTIALS:

  • Pochade box and easel. I use Heilman Boxes. Some painters do not use these but I prefer to as it keeps materials protected and portable.
  • Tripod if desired pochade box. Make sure pochade has a quick release plate attached.
  • Hard and soft pastels arranged in value and hue.
  • Mounted pastel paper. It's good to have a couple inches all the way around the paper you'll be using.
  • Paper towels (Viva), and gloves (I use CVS Oat Gloves).
  • View finder (available on Dakota Pastels and Amazon).
  • Sketchbook or watercolor journal, pencils including white, vine charcoal, gum eraser, pen and ink, and/or portable watercolors.
  • Acid-free Artist’s tape
  • Camera (phone works)
  • Personal care items, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, bug repellent, water, snacks, and a sun hat.
  • Printed Reference photos if we are working in the studio instead of en plein air.

ENCOURAGED READING:

  • Pastel Pointers: Top 100 Secrets for Beautiful Pastel Paintings by Richard McKinley.
  • Painting Brilliant Skies and Water in Pastel by Liz Haywood-Sullivan
  • Composition of Outdoor Painting by Edgar Payne.
  • Carlson’s Guide to Landscape Painting by John F. Carlson
  • Pastel Journal and Plein Air Magazine
  • ART SUPPLY STORES:
  • Dick Blick: DickBlick.com
  • Jerry’s Artarama: JerrysArtarama.com
  • Dakota Pastels: DakotaPastels.com