Portraits in Pastel | Lyn Diefenbach

All students will receive Lyn's Portrait Drawing video 2 weeks before the class commences. This will be available for students to access for two weeks.

Have you ever wondered how to create a good likeness in your portrait painting? You will have the opportunity to learn all the secrets from Master Artist Lyn Diefenbach and you have the opportunity to bring your own subject to paint.

Included in the package is a free video by Lyn valued at $30

Learn to create portraits that are full of character and life. All aspects of portraiture will be covered, in particular how to achieve a good likeness.

Lyn will discuss pastels and pastel surfaces as well as application appropriate to the subject. Enjoy clear, informative demonstrations and individual attention at your easel.

What will I learn?

Through demonstrations and a series of ‘hands-on’ exercises, you will learn easy methods for painting portraits.

This workshop will assist you to a greater understanding of the relationships of line, tone, colour and edge to enable you to infuse your work with dimensionality and impact.

Who is this course suitable for?

This workshop is suitable for all skill levels.

Ask our friendly team for advice if you are not sure if this workshop is for you.

What do I need to bring?

Pastel Paper

One sheet Canson MITIENTES – we will be using a half to a full size sheet, depending on what size you want to work

Colour example: Flannel Grey, Sand, Bisque, Eggshell.
Orange or Tobacco for darker skin.
Any greyed-off colour works, or you may use Art Spectrum Colorfix, Art Spectrum Smooth or any of the sanded papers if you prefer.

Pastels:

Bring what you have.
Girault and Rembrandt have got some particularly good portrait colours.

Backing Board:

Have at least 4 sheets of other pastel paper to pad the board.

Other:

• ¼” Angle Shader Brush NEEF 995 – this is to brush away unwanted pastel
• Willow charcoal or Pastel Pencil for drawing a portrait
• Bulldog clips
• Paper Towel
• Kneadable Eraser

Subject Photos:

Make sure these are large, clear images preferably with a good play of light and dark. If you are doing your own printing from a computer, make sure that you use photo quality paper not plain paper.

What is provided?

• Easels, tabeles and chairs
• tea and coffee (you might like to bring your own cup)
• a friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
• connection to the Bienarté art community

Useful Information

For Visitors FAQs

About the Artist

What has Lyn been up to in 2024!

I don’t think my feet have touched the ground this year. In summary:
. 4 international conventions - 2 on the ground, 2 online
. 7 international online demonstrations (often at obscure hours)
. 4 judging gigs that I remember
. 2 major commissions in oil (one huge!)
. 59 (ish) days teaching, 5 more to go
. Award of Excellence at the International Association of Pastel Societies Convention
. Selection for International Guild of Realism Exhibition in US
. First professional teaching video released internationally
In between I’ve somehow managed to find time to produce over 30 paintings – studio work, plein air. And I’ve kept up my journals because too much painting is never enough!

In between I’ve somehow managed to find time to produce over 30 paintings – studio work, plein air. And I’ve kept up my journals because too much painting is never enough!