No matter how many workshops I’ve taught, I always get a thrill out of seeing the work my students create and the breakthroughs they have. My recent pastel workshop experience with the Northwest Pastel Society was no exception! Over three jam-packed days, a group of artists came together to explore, experiment, and push past their comfort zones. From hesitant first marks to moments of pure excitement and surprise, the room was filled with laughter, learning, and connection — the kind of magic that only happens when artists gather in person!
Why In-Person Learning Matters
There’s something special about painting together, side by side. While online courses, videos, and Zoom sessions can be wonderful, nothing quite matches the energy of being in the same space — sharing ideas, swapping stories, and learning new ways of doing and thinking live and up close.
In this pastel workshop experience, I encouraged participants to jump right in rather than spend hours watching me demo. I believe real learning happens through doing, experimenting, and sometimes even struggling a bit — all while having support from me (and the group!) right there in the moment.
One of the participants, Paula, summed it up beautifully when she said:
“The use of exercises rather than just demos was a good teaching/learning strategy.”
And Lorrie added:
“Loved that you didn’t demo your process for a lengthy time. Your generous attention and patience made this workshop a joy.”
Breakthrough Moments
One of my greatest joys as a teacher is witnessing those aha! moments — the instant when hesitation and doubt are replaced by a dawning excitement!
Throughout this pastel workshop experience, I watched students push past their inner critic, try new techniques, and surprise themselves with what they created. There were moments of frustration – which is a normal part of learning — but each challenge brought growth and, ultimately, breakthroughs.
At the start of the workshop, there were the familiar murmurs of uncertainty:
“Why did I pick this picture? It’s so hard!”
I coaxed them to trust the process, to lean into discomfort with the assurance that it would be worth it. And it was a thrill to see them come out the other side with work that sometimes even they couldn’t believe they’d done.
Here are just a few of those lightbulb moments:
- Michael discovered the power of layering:
“Light pressure, multiple layers — more interesting.” - Lorrie embraced the importance of planning:
“Never dive in without a thumbnail!” - Hap found a new kind of radiance in her work:
“Using the same value over the same value creates luminescence with a light touch.” - Paula realised something that can completely change an artist’s confidence:
“That I really can paint well with just a few pastels.”
These moments — these sparks — are what keep me coming back to teach, time and time again. They remind me that real growth often happens just beyond the edge of comfort, in the times of struggle, and then the commitment to keep going.
For more about the magic of these learning leaps, check out my post on Art Workshop Breakthroughs.
A Peek Into the Process
Over our three days together, we explored what luminous layering with a limited palette is all about.
Imagine setting aside your entire box of pastels and working with just a small, carefully chosen handful of pastel sticks. At first, this can feel unnerving — like having one hand tied behind your back. But this limitation sparks creativity. With fewer choices, you learn to truly understand the value of values and work with that as a foundation. You can also push colours further and create surprising harmonies.
We began with thumbnails (of course!) — those small, powerful planning tools that help clarify composition and value patterns. From there, we moved into exercises designed to focus on layering and luminosity. These weren’t about making a “finished painting” but about understanding. Sometimes the results were simply sheets of paper filled with colourful squares, and other times they became mini-masterpieces in their own right.
As Sarah beautifully put it:
“Luminous combinations — when working with a limited palette, you can get some fun results because you have to use what you’ve got.”
The Heart of Community
In every workshop, there comes a moment when I step back, look around the room, and think, “This. This is why I teach.”
It’s not just about pastels or techniques — it’s about people. About watching artists encourage one another, laugh together, and share in the thrill of taking creative risks. It’s about the courage to try something new, and the trust that builds when we’re all in it together.
Hap expressed it beautifully:
“You set a very safe and welcoming classroom, then led us clearly through a process that produced paintings that surprised us by creating unexpected but pleasant results.”
Sarah shared how the experience pushed her beyond her usual approach:
“Gail took me out of my comfort zone and taught me to experiment without focusing on the outcome.”
And Lorrie captured the spirit of support and connection with her words:
“Your generous attention and patience made this workshop a joy.”
These reflections mean the world to me. They remind me that while I love teaching, what truly lights me up is seeing a community form — one where artists feel safe enough to take risks, make mistakes, and celebrate each other’s breakthroughs.
By the final day, not only was the room full of paintings that radiated colour and confidence — each one a testament to the courage of stepping outside comfort zones – it was full of energy, laughter, and the beginnings of new friendships — the kind of connections that last well beyond the workshop walls.
Looking Forward
As I reflect on those three incredible days, my heart is full. Full of gratitude for the Northwest Pastel Society for hosting such a meaningful event and for each artist who came ready to explore, experiment, and share their creative spirit.
These in-person experiences are a kind of magic you simply can’t replicate online. They’re about so much more than learning a new technique or creating a finished painting. They’re about courage, trust, connection, and the joy of discovering what you’re truly capable of when you step outside your comfort zone — and do it alongside others who are doing the same.
Jan summed it up beautifully:
“Great workshop! It helped me to think outside the box and use a limited palette.”
If you’ve ever thought about joining me for a future workshop or retreat, I hope this glimpse into my recent NPS workshop has sparked some excitement and maybe even a little courage. Who knows? Your next breakthrough moment could be at our next workshop together!
Have you ever had a breakthrough moment at a workshop or retreat?
I’d love to hear about it! Share your story in the comments — your experience might inspire another artist to take that next brave step.
Until next time!
~ Gail
PS. Curious about future workshops or retreats? Keep an eye on my email newsletter for upcoming opportunities — I’d love to paint with you in person someday!
Here are two stories that capture the combo of travel and creativity:
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