Transparent and Reflective Surfaces
In the Fall of 2025 I took a four-week online course at Woodstock School of Art. The course was fantastic. I’ve painted with pastels before, mostly teaching myself (with tips from Lorrie Goulet). The Woodstock course, taught by Robert Carsten, was packed with great techniques. And let’s face it, I was intrigued by the possibility of representing transparent and reflective surfaces in my still-lifes. So I dove in. I worked hard to turn in my weekly assignments, but had SUCH a great time.
I knew at the outset that I’d miss the third lecture in order to drive up to Woodstock for my own workshop, “Direct Carving in Wood.” But Robert’s class monitor assured me there would be no problem, and there wasn’t. I watched the recording of the lecture and kept right up to date. Turns out Robert’s feedback on my “superb” painting for that assignment, “Silver Mug”, floored me. Can’t wait to take another pastel class!
