Explore the versatility and rich colours of this beautiful drawing and painting medium. Through practical exercises, discover its potential to create a variety of surface effects and its suitability for sketching and colour work.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This course will introduce you to drawing and sketching with oil and soft pastels, giving you an insight into the possibilities of this direct and adaptable medium. You will explore different techniques, working from observation and secondary sources to produce a nuanced pastel composition.
What will we cover?
Experimenting with a variety of mark-making methods
Mixing colours using different blending techniques
Using oil pastel in conjunction with other media
Methods for working from observation and secondary sources.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Use a variety of mark-making techniques
Demonstrate how to use colour mixing effectively
Select suitable subject matter and supports for pastel projects
Start to draw in pastels from observation and secondary sources
Use pastels in conjunction with other drawing and painting media
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This taster course is suitable for beginners and those wanting to explore and develop their oil pastel skills.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
• Studio-based practical tasks • Tutor demonstrations • One to one guidance • Presentations and group discussion
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All drawing materials are provided, however if you have your own oil pastels please do bring them along.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Next steps include: Drawing from plants and flowers, Landscape sketching weekend, Drawing in colour: summer school,Introduction to collage and mixed-media, Draw, paint, print, or Drawing 1.
Ro Sylvester is a veteran of film and theatre, having made costume and props for productions such as ‘Hellraiser’ and ‘Legend’ back in the ‘80s. She ran a costume studio in Covent Garden for some time, supplying the Opera House and other West End Theatres with costumes and props. Ro also made many props and costumes for pop videos including Eddie Grant, Supertramp and New Order. From the early ‘90s, she worked in secondary and 6th form teaching, delivering exam courses in Design Technology, Textiles, Graphics, Computer Graphics and Model Making. Having retired from secondary teaching in 2017, Ro has worked to private commission in retail display, commercials and theatre. She has also worked as a tutor at City Lit, teaching; Model Making, Prop Making, Perspective, Pastel drawing and general creativity skills. She continues to create bespoke lightweight jewellery, window displays and props for theatre and film. Ro runs a lively and fast moving classroom, helping students to explore their potential and progress onto other courses where applicable. You can see much of her work and that of her students on her website.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/drawing-colour-pastel-techniques277041Drawing: colour pastel techniqueshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/r/draw-colour-pastel-tech_-_vh780-vh961-vh050-vh781-1080.jpg229229GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Drawing/Courses/Art & design/Drawing/Drawing techniques & processes/Courses/vm/Beginners courses in art & design/Courses/vm/Make Art You're Proud Of/Courses/vm/Summer courses/Summer courses in art & design22851132114811501360813744135631228511321148165313457Explore the versatility and rich colours of this beautiful drawing and painting medium. Through practical exercises, discover its potential to create a variety of surface effects and its suitability for sketching and colour work.15https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/m/vm022_drawing_col_pastel_techs-1024.jpghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/h/vh961-col-pastel-tech-img3.jpg3030097Drawing: colour pastel techniques229229https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/r/draw-colour-pastel-tech_-_vh780-vh961-vh050-vh781-1080_20.jpgInStockDaytimeThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-11-12T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allNov 2026Art & designVH961229229Drawing: colour pastel techniques183149229Ro Sylvesterdrawing-colour-pastel-techniques/vh961-2627Explore the versatility and rich colours of this beautiful drawing and painting medium. Through practical exercises, discover its potential to create a variety of surface effects and its suitability for sketching and colour work.0000-Available|2026-11-12 00:00:00<p>This course will introduce you to drawing and sketching with oil and soft pastels, giving you an insight into the possibilities of this direct and adaptable medium. You will explore different techniques, working from observation and secondary sources to produce a nuanced pastel composition.</p><p> </p><p> </p>Explore the versatility and rich colours of this beautiful drawing and painting medium. Through practical exercises, discover its potential to create a variety of surface effects and its suitability for sketching and colour work.<ul><li>Experimenting with a variety of mark-making methods</li><li>Mixing colours using different blending techniques</li><li>Using oil pastel in conjunction with other media</li><li>Methods for working from observation and secondary sources.</li></ul><ul><li>Use a variety of mark-making techniques</li><li>Demonstrate how to use colour mixing effectively</li><li>Select suitable subject matter and supports for pastel projects</li><li>Start to draw in pastels from observation and secondary sources</li><li>Use pastels in conjunction with other drawing and painting media</li></ul>This taster course is suitable for beginners and those wanting to explore and develop their oil pastel skills. <br/><br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.<p>• Studio-based practical tasks<br/>• Tutor demonstrations<br/>• One to one guidance<br/>• Presentations and group discussion<br/> </p>All drawing materials are provided, however if you have your own oil pastels please do bring them along.<br/><br/><br/><p>Next steps include: <em>Drawing from plants and flowers</em>, <em>Landscape sketching weekend</em>, <em>Drawing in colour: summer school,</em> <em>Introduction to collage and mixed-media</em>, <em>Draw, paint, print</em>, or <em>Drawing 1</em>.</p>DrawingDrawing techniques & processesvirtual2536201Drawing: colour pastel techniques209209https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/r/draw-colour-pastel-tech_-_vh780-vh961-vh050-vh781-1080_4.jpgInStockDaytimeThuKeeley StreetNo longer available1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-07-02T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersJul 2026Art & designVH780209209Drawing: colour pastel techniques167136209Ro Sylvesterdrawing-colour-pastel-techniques/vh780-2526Explore the versatility and rich colours of this beautiful drawing and painting medium. Through practical exercises, discover its potential to create a variety of surface effects and its suitability for sketching and colour work.0015-FullStillOpen|2026-07-02 00:00:00<p>This course will introduce you to drawing and sketching with oil and soft pastels, giving you an insight into the possibilities of this direct and adaptable medium. You will explore different techniques, working from observation and secondary sources to produce a nuanced pastel composition.</p><p> </p><p> </p>Explore the versatility and rich colours of this beautiful drawing and painting medium. Through practical exercises, discover its potential to create a variety of surface effects and its suitability for sketching and colour work.<ul><li>Experimenting with a variety of mark-making methods</li><li>Mixing colours using different blending techniques</li><li>Using oil pastel in conjunction with other media</li><li>Methods for working from observation and secondary sources.</li></ul><ul><li>Use a variety of mark-making techniques</li><li>Demonstrate how to use colour mixing effectively</li><li>Select suitable subject matter and supports for pastel projects</li><li>Start to draw in pastels from observation and secondary sources</li><li>Use pastels in conjunction with other drawing and painting media</li></ul>This taster course is suitable for beginners and those wanting to explore and develop their oil pastel skills. <br><br>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.• Studio-based practical tasks<br>• Tutor demonstrations <br>• One to one guidance <br>• Presentations and group discussion <br> <br>This course is supported by Google Classroom as a Virtual Learning Environment. When you log on you will be able to access course material, presentations, and handouts etc.All drawing materials are provided, however if you have your own oil pastels please do bring them along.<br><br><br><p>Next steps include: Drawing from plants and flowers, Landscape sketching weekend, Introduction to collage and mixed-media, Draw, paint, print, or Drawing 1.</p>DrawingDrawing techniques & processesvirtual3067471Drawing: colour pastel techniques229229https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/r/draw-colour-pastel-tech_-_vh780-vh961-vh050-vh781-1080_21.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2027-01-19T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersJan 2027Art & designVH050229229Drawing: colour pastel techniques183149229Ro Sylvesterdrawing-colour-pastel-techniques/vh050-2627Explore the versatility and rich colours of this beautiful drawing and painting medium. Through practical exercises, discover its potential to create a variety of surface effects and its suitability for sketching and colour work.0000-Available|2027-01-19 00:00:00<p>This course will introduce you to drawing and sketching with oil and soft pastels, giving you an insight into the possibilities of this direct and adaptable medium. You will explore different techniques, working from observation and secondary sources to produce a nuanced pastel composition.</p><p> </p><p> </p>Explore the versatility and rich colours of this beautiful drawing and painting medium. Through practical exercises, discover its potential to create a variety of surface effects and its suitability for sketching and colour work.<ul><li>Experimenting with a variety of mark-making methods</li><li>Mixing colours using different blending techniques</li><li>Using oil pastel in conjunction with other media</li><li>Methods for working from observation and secondary sources.</li></ul><ul><li>Use a variety of mark-making techniques</li><li>Demonstrate how to use colour mixing effectively</li><li>Select suitable subject matter and supports for pastel projects</li><li>Start to draw in pastels from observation and secondary sources</li><li>Use pastels in conjunction with other drawing and painting media</li></ul>This taster course is suitable for beginners and those wanting to explore and develop their oil pastel skills. <br/><br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.<p>• Studio-based practical tasks<br/>• Tutor demonstrations<br/>• One to one guidance<br/>• Presentations and group discussion<br/> </p>All drawing materials are provided, however if you have your own oil pastels please do bring them along.<br/><br/><br/><p>Next steps include: <em>Drawing from plants and flowers</em>, <em>Landscape sketching weekend</em>, <em>Drawing in colour: summer school,</em> <em>Introduction to collage and mixed-media</em>, <em>Draw, paint, print</em>, or <em>Drawing 1</em>.</p>DrawingDrawing techniques & processesvirtual3067711Drawing: colour pastel techniques229229https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/r/draw-colour-pastel-tech_-_vh780-vh961-vh050-vh781-1080_23.jpgInStockDaytimeThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2027-07-01T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersJul 2027Art & designVH780229229Drawing: colour pastel techniques183149229Ro Sylvesterdrawing-colour-pastel-techniques/vh780-2627Explore the versatility and rich colours of this beautiful drawing and painting medium. Through practical exercises, discover its potential to create a variety of surface effects and its suitability for sketching and colour work.0000-Available|2027-07-01 00:00:00<p>This course will introduce you to drawing and sketching with oil and soft pastels, giving you an insight into the possibilities of this direct and adaptable medium. You will explore different techniques, working from observation and secondary sources to produce a nuanced pastel composition.</p><p> </p><p> </p>Explore the versatility and rich colours of this beautiful drawing and painting medium. Through practical exercises, discover its potential to create a variety of surface effects and its suitability for sketching and colour work.<ul><li>Experimenting with a variety of mark-making methods</li><li>Mixing colours using different blending techniques</li><li>Using oil pastel in conjunction with other media</li><li>Methods for working from observation and secondary sources.</li></ul><ul><li>Use a variety of mark-making techniques</li><li>Demonstrate how to use colour mixing effectively</li><li>Select suitable subject matter and supports for pastel projects</li><li>Start to draw in pastels from observation and secondary sources</li><li>Use pastels in conjunction with other drawing and painting media</li></ul>This taster course is suitable for beginners and those wanting to explore and develop their oil pastel skills. <br/><br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.<p>• Studio-based practical tasks<br/>• Tutor demonstrations<br/>• One to one guidance<br/>• Presentations and group discussion<br/> </p>All drawing materials are provided, however if you have your own oil pastels please do bring them along.<br/><br/><br/><p>Next steps include: <em>Drawing from plants and flowers</em>, <em>Landscape sketching weekend</em>, <em>Drawing in colour: summer school,</em> <em>Introduction to collage and mixed-media</em>, <em>Draw, paint, print</em>, or <em>Drawing 1</em>.</p>DrawingDrawing techniques & processesvirtual3067714Drawing: colour pastel techniques229229https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/r/draw-colour-pastel-tech_-_vh780-vh961-vh050-vh781-1080_22.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2027-06-01T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersJun 2027Art & designVH781229229Drawing: colour pastel techniques183149229Ro Sylvesterdrawing-colour-pastel-techniques/vh781-2627Explore the versatility and rich colours of this beautiful drawing and painting medium. Through practical exercises, discover its potential to create a variety of surface effects and its suitability for sketching and colour work.0000-Available|2027-06-01 00:00:00<p>This course will introduce you to drawing and sketching with oil and soft pastels, giving you an insight into the possibilities of this direct and adaptable medium. You will explore different techniques, working from observation and secondary sources to produce a nuanced pastel composition.</p><p> </p><p> </p>Explore the versatility and rich colours of this beautiful drawing and painting medium. Through practical exercises, discover its potential to create a variety of surface effects and its suitability for sketching and colour work.<ul><li>Experimenting with a variety of mark-making methods</li><li>Mixing colours using different blending techniques</li><li>Using oil pastel in conjunction with other media</li><li>Methods for working from observation and secondary sources.</li></ul><ul><li>Use a variety of mark-making techniques</li><li>Demonstrate how to use colour mixing effectively</li><li>Select suitable subject matter and supports for pastel projects</li><li>Start to draw in pastels from observation and secondary sources</li><li>Use pastels in conjunction with other drawing and painting media</li></ul>This taster course is suitable for beginners and those wanting to explore and develop their oil pastel skills. <br/><br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.<p>• Studio-based practical tasks<br/>• Tutor demonstrations<br/>• One to one guidance<br/>• Presentations and group discussion<br/> </p>All drawing materials are provided, however if you have your own oil pastels please do bring them along.<br/><br/><br/><p>Next steps include: <em>Drawing from plants and flowers</em>, <em>Landscape sketching weekend</em>, <em>Drawing in colour: summer school,</em> <em>Introduction to collage and mixed-media</em>, <em>Draw, paint, print</em>, or <em>Drawing 1</em>.</p>DrawingDrawing techniques & processesvirtual183,167229,209149,136VH961,VH780,VH050,VH781NONEThu,Tue12/11/26 - 03/12/2614:00 - 17:0014:0017:004 sessions (over 4 weeks)41 to 4 weeksWeekdayKSKeeley StreetRo SylvesterBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for all,BeginnersAvailable courses,No longer available2026-11-12T00:00:00+00:00,2026-07-02T00:00:00+00:00,2027-01-19T00:00:00+00:00,2027-07-01T00:00:00+00:00,2027-06-01T00:00:00+00:00DaytimeNov 2026,Jul 2026,Jan 2027,Jul 2027,Jun 2027Art & design209229,209Drawing: colour pastel techniquesdrawing-colour-pastel-techniques/vh961-2627,drawing-colour-pastel-techniques/vh780-2526,drawing-colour-pastel-techniques/vh050-2627,drawing-colour-pastel-techniques/vh780-2627,drawing-colour-pastel-techniques/vh781-2627Explore the versatility and rich colours of this beautiful drawing and painting medium. Through practical exercises, discover its potential to create a variety of surface effects and its suitability for sketching and colour work.0000-Available|2026-11-12 00:00:00<p>This course will introduce you to drawing and sketching with oil and soft pastels, giving you an insight into the possibilities of this direct and adaptable medium. You will explore different techniques, working from observation and secondary sources to produce a nuanced pastel composition.</p><p> </p><p> </p>,<p>This course will introduce you to drawing and sketching with oil and soft pastels, giving you an insight into the possibilities of this direct and adaptable medium. You will explore different techniques, working from observation and secondary sources to produce a nuanced pastel composition.</p><p> </p><p> </p>Explore the versatility and rich colours of this beautiful drawing and painting medium. Through practical exercises, discover its potential to create a variety of surface effects and its suitability for sketching and colour work.<ul><li>Experimenting with a variety of mark-making methods</li><li>Mixing colours using different blending techniques</li><li>Using oil pastel in conjunction with other media</li><li>Methods for working from observation and secondary sources.</li></ul><ul><li>Use a variety of mark-making techniques</li><li>Demonstrate how to use colour mixing effectively</li><li>Select suitable subject matter and supports for pastel projects</li><li>Start to draw in pastels from observation and secondary sources</li><li>Use pastels in conjunction with other drawing and painting media</li></ul>This taster course is suitable for beginners and those wanting to explore and develop their oil pastel skills. <br/><br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.,This taster course is suitable for beginners and those wanting to explore and develop their oil pastel skills. <br><br>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.<p>• Studio-based practical tasks<br/>• Tutor demonstrations<br/>• One to one guidance<br/>• Presentations and group discussion<br/> </p>,• Studio-based practical tasks<br>• Tutor demonstrations <br>• One to one guidance <br>• Presentations and group discussion <br> <br>This course is supported by Google Classroom as a Virtual Learning Environment. When you log on you will be able to access course material, presentations, and handouts etc.All drawing materials are provided, however if you have your own oil pastels please do bring them along.<br/><br/><br/>,All drawing materials are provided, however if you have your own oil pastels please do bring them along.<br><br><br><p>Next steps include: <em>Drawing from plants and flowers</em>, <em>Landscape sketching weekend</em>, <em>Drawing in colour: summer school,</em> <em>Introduction to collage and mixed-media</em>, <em>Draw, paint, print</em>, or <em>Drawing 1</em>.</p>,<p>Next steps include: Drawing from plants and flowers, Landscape sketching weekend, Introduction to collage and mixed-media, Draw, paint, print, or Drawing 1.</p>DrawingDrawing techniques & processesconfigurable
