Workshops

Upcoming Workshops

Barbara Jaenicke LCPS Pastel Workshop
October 12,13,14
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Christ the King Lutheran Church
8600 Fremont Ave. S., Bloomington, MN

(Note: The workshop is currently full. To be added to the waiting list please contact Gwen Solberg, Workshop Co-chair at gwensolberg@comcast.net)

Once you learn landscape painting basics, it’s time to learn how to add the poetry. Barbara’s goal is to equip you with skills that will move you beyond merely replicating landscape subjects, to conveying a distinct, poetic visual message that strikes an emotional chord with the viewer

Skills covered include composition, editing, value structure, color temperature, chroma, and edge control. Barbara will also address how to make every stroke count, considering the mark-making particulars of how you apply pigment to surface. A separate exercise on the last day will focus on mark-making.

Each day begins with a demonstration followed by students working on a painting exercise, while receiving plenty of individual help from Barbara. Students may work from their own photos or instructor-provided photos.

Jaenicke paintings

About Barbara Jaenicke

Jaenicke portrait

Barbara Jaenicke is an accomplished pastel and oil painter, and describes her approach as a "painterly, impressionistic style." She holds signature memberships in Oil Painters of America (OPA) and American Impressionist Society (AIS) and has earned the distinctions of Master Pastelist in the Pastel Society of America (PSA) and Eminent Pastelist in the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS).

Materials List

Pastels

Soft Pastels - Feel free to use your favorite soft pastels if you already have a good range of values, plus some hard pastels mentioned below. I highly recommend organizing your pastels by value. If you plan to stock up a bit before the workshop, here are some of my favorite soft pastels that I’ll use in my demonstrations:

  • Terry Ludwig
  • Schmincke
  • Sennelier
  • Jack Richeson (Handrolled Soft Pastels) – Their Winter Landscape 80 pc. set is one I developed for workshop students, and is available through Dakota Pastels (www.dakotapastels.com) and Judson Art Outfitters (www.judsonsart.com). In most of my workshops, at least one of my demos is a winter landscape. I also use this set for basic landscapes, too.

Hard Pastels

– NuPastel square/hard pastels have traditionally been my favorite for my initial block-in of a pastel painting. However, they are no longer available to order individually. Since they’re now available only in full sets, and I use only a few of these pastels, I’ve found alternative hard pastels that can be purchased individually. The colors are basically a dark blue, bright orange, bright pink, violet and dark brown. Listed below are the NuPastels, and then alternate options (in the same color order) in Cretacolor. You’ll need only the 5 pastels listed for one of these options (or a combination from any of the brands).

NuPastels: 244 Blue Violet, 212 Deep Orange, 306 Orchid Pink, 254 Violet Hyacinthe, and 353 Cordovan

Cretacolor: 239 Paynes Grey, 111 Orange, 133 Rose Madder, 139 Bluish Purple, and 219 Sepia Dark

Surface

We’ll use mounted UArt paper for the first two days; Sennelier LaCarte paper for the third day.

Mounted UArt – Pastel students will be using liquid underpaintings for the first two days, so the mounted version of the Uart paper will be important. My favorite grit is 320 or 400, but any grit close to that will be fine for this workshop. My recommended workshop size is 11x14, but feel free to work slightly smaller if you prefer to work more slowly.

Quantities/sizes: At least two 11 x 14 mounted UArt boards

(Always a good idea to have one or two extras, and also small scraps to test color.)

I recommend any of these options for pre-mounted UArt:

Mounted UArt paper from www.propartpanels.com. (preferred), or

UArt’s new Peel & Stick paper, which you can mount onto your preferred panel (such as foam board), or

UArt Premium Mounted Boards, available at www.dickblick.com or www.dakotapastels.com

Sennelier La Carte pastel card – two 19.5 x 25.5 sheets cut in half (just for easier transporting). Any color is fine but avoid anything darker than a mid-value; I use the “Sand” color for my demos. Or either of their smaller size pads of this paper in assorted colors also works well. This paper will be for multiple 6x8ish small studies. (You don’t need to trim paper to 6x8. Best to fit at least a couple studies on each sheet.)

Other supplies:

  • Small sketch book
  • Artists tape
  • A couple of sharp pencils (any type) for thumbnails, and sharpener; or a mechanical pencil
  • ruler
  • Pastel pencil, if desired, to draw in initial shapes for painting (I use Cretacolor Paynes Grey)
  • Isopropyl alcohol for underpainting (just the cheap “rubbing” alcohol you find in the grocery store)
  • Small jar for alcohol
  • Brush for underpainting – Flat bristle brush…#6 or #8 (5/8” – 3/4” wide)
  • Optional - backing board such as foamboard (a few inches larger on each side than your panel)
  • to hinge your painting panel, if working at a studio easel. This allows for plenty of space around the entire panel.
  • Hand wipes
  • Paper towels
  • Latex gloves or other hand protection if desired
  • Portable easel if venue does not provide

Reference Photos:

If you have your own landscape reference photos, please bring them. I'll provide copies of the photos I'll use for my demos, which you may use if you’d like to work from the same photo. You may work from printed photos or from photos on your laptop or iPad. (Please, however, do not plan to work directly from photos on your phone.)

For any questions regarding the workshop, contact Craig Britton (tcraigbritton@gmail.com)

For more about Barbara Jaenicke visit https://www.barbarajaenicke.com

Past Workshops

Patricia Duncan Workshop
May 2026

Duncan portrait

The Lake Country Pastel Society was honored to have our Spring workshop led by our very own Patricia Duncan, whose work is inspired by the landscapes, people, and cultural diversity of the American Midwest and beyond. The workshop centered on self-discovery and creative wellness while guiding participants through foundational skills, thumbnail composition, value contrast, underpainting and pastel layering. Participants worked from photo references indoors but there was also much discussion on the value of the plein air experience. Throughout the workshop, Patricia encouraged artists to be present in order to SEE more fully. Her sharing of profound stories and listening exercises helped everyone pause, listen, and embrace the present moment. Above all, she stressed the importance of enjoying the process and letting go of the outcome. You know…. if the painting doesn’t work out, it’s OK!!

Duncan painting

Duncan painting

Duncan painting

FRED SOMERS WORKSHOP
OCTOBER 13, 14 & 15, 2025

Somers portrait

“Paint what you love, walk in the light.”
~Fred Somers

The Lake Country Pastel Society hosted our very own Fred Somers for our Fall workshop on October 13-15, 2025 at his home studio near Northfield, MN

Fred has painted in pastels for almost 50 years and has been a member of LCPS since its beginning 25 years ago. After teaching drawing, painting and printmaking at St. Olaf and Carlton College, he moved to his farm home studio and began his adventure as a freelance artist, painting in pastel and oil. His paintings, known for their peaceful sensitivity, reflect themes from the land. In Fred’s words, “I love painting woods, fields and streams, interpreting vistas and intimate views.” He incorporates goldleaf into many of his paintings, giving a luminosity unique to Fred’s work. His pastel paintings of the Big Woods State Park, which is near his home, were chosen for the 1996 Minnesota State Park permit design. Fred continues painting as well as teaching workshops throughout the US and in Sweden.

His numerous awards include the 2020 induction into the Pastel Society of America Hall of Fame. An IAPS Master and Eminent Pastelist, Fred is also a signature member of the PSA and an Associate of Oil Painters of America. He has been named American Swedish Artist of the Year and Great River Greening’s Landscape Artist of the Year. Fred’s paintings have been featured in many books, magazines and journals.

Somers art

Somers art

Somers art

This will be a hands-on workshop with demonstrations, slide presentations and plenty of one-on-one instruction. Fred will introduce materials and techniques that he has developed, including dry drawn and wet poured pastel pigment. Students will explore new ways of seeing that can enhance each individual’s style. There may also be an opportunity to do some plein air painting.

Working in Fred’s studio and gallery, students will be surrounded by his beautiful paintings and immersed in his creative space. An inspiration in and of itself, this will truly enhance the learning experience. Having painted full-time from this farm site since 1975, Fred proudly states, “Painting this rural place I call home, this one spot where I’ve been planted like a tree, by the streams of water, I paint what I love, I walk in the light.”

LORENZO CHAVEZ WORKSHOP
May 14, 15 & 16, 2025

“It is the simple glimpses into nature that move me to create.”
~Lorenzo Chavez

The Lake Country Pastel Society hosted internationally known award-winning painter, Lorenzo Chavez for our Spring 2025 workshop on May 14-16, 2025 at the New Brighton Community Center, New Brighton, MN.

Chavez is a renowned fine artist specializing in pastel and oil landscapes. He is also a sought-after instructor who teaches workshops across the United States.

Born and raised in New Mexico, Lorenzo Chavez has been a professional artist for over 35 years. His first inspirations and foundations as a young artist were formed by the local landscape and the art history of the area. Lorenzo now makes his home in Parker, Colorado and uses his location as a base to travel and paint throughout the region and across the country.

His award-winning work is featured in prestigious exhibitions, galleries and publications, as well as private and corporate collections throughout the US and internationally. He has been a recipient of awards from notable groups as the Pastel Society of America, California Art Club, and the American Impressionist Society and is an active member of Rendezvous of Art, Signature member of The Plein Air Painters of America and the Pastel Society of America, the California Art Club Signature Member, American Impressionist Society, and the Pastel Society of Spain.

Chavez

Chavez art

Chavez

Chavez

Lyn Asselta Workshop
September 30-October 2, 2024

The Lake Country Pastel Society hosted instructor and award-winning artist, Lyn Asselta for our fall workshop. It was held on September 30, October 1 and 2, 2024 at the New Brighton Community Center, New Brighton, MN.

Aline Ordman Workshop
May 13-15, 2024

Ordman portrait

The Lake Country Pastel Society hosted award-winning Aline Ordman for a workshop in the spring of 2024.

Workshop Description

Dynamic Pastels: Using Abstract Thinking to Create Illustrative Paintings

Painting is learning to see. Often, we paint what we think we see because we all have preconceived notions of what something looks like. However, to really paint what you see, you must break down everything you are looking at into just abstract shapes. Don’t see a “house”, see a series of interlocking shapes.

Aline is known for her vivid paintings and creative use of color. Working from their own photo references, students will transform these into pastel paintings using the principles of color and design. Along with daily painting demonstrations, Aline will emphasize the understanding of color in terms of temperature, intensity and value while translating those ideas using pastel techniques. We don’t have to paint green grass just because that’s what is in a picture. Experimenting with exciting different color while maintaining the value and intensity will serve as a great exercise in helping students expand their color sensitivity. Let’s say goodbye to overworked tight pastels and learn to create loose, bold but still illustrative paintings. Aline gives a lot of personal attention and works to develop the individual style of each student.

Bio

Aline grew up outside New York and received her early education at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, graduating in 1975 with a BFA. She subsequently moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and eventually attended The Academy of Art College (now University) in San Francisco receiving an additional BFA in illustration. Upon graduation she taught figure drawing there for about 8 years before moving to New England, specifically the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire.

Aline is a Master Pastelist with the Pastel Society of America, an Eminent Pastelist with the International Association of Pastel societies, a Signature Member of The American Impressionist Society and a Signature Member of the Oil Painters of America. Her work has appeared in various publications, receiving awards in the Pastel Journals, including the Founders Award. She is a featured artist in this year’s February issue. In 2017 she received the Prix de Pastel in the International Association of Pastel Society’s National Juried Exhibition.

Aline currently lives in Vermont and teaches workshops throughout the country and Europe. Her studio is in Quechee, Vermont and her work can be seen in Camden Falls Gallery in Camden, Maine and The Blue Heron Gallery in Wellfleet, Massachussetts.

Her website is www.alineordman.com.

Ordman art

Ordman art

Ordman art

The workshop was held at the New Brighton Community Center, New Brighton, MN.

LCPS Fall Workshop

"CAPTURING LIGHT-
Interpreting Values and Shapes"

with Desmond O'Hagan.
October 9-11, 2023

Desmond O'Hagan is an award-winning artist who has exhibited nationally and internationally. He is listed in Who's Who in American Art, is a Master Pastelist with the Pastel Society of America and has achieved Eminent Pastelist status with IAPS. His work can be found in museums and private collections worldwide.

O'Hagan art

O'Hagan art

O'Hagan's workshop is designed to help participants reach their next level in pastel painting, emphasizing composition and technique through a more painterly approach. Individuals will explore subjects in a new light, refining shapes and edges with minimal strokes. Desmond works with participants individually to critique and offer new directions in completing their paintings. Check out his website at www.desmondohagan.com.

O'Hagan art

O'Hagan art

The workshop was held at the New Brighton Community Center, New Brighton, MN.

Dawn Emerson Workshop
May 8-10, 2023

Emerson portrait

Title: "The Spirit of Innovation" with Dawn Emerson

Description:

This 3 day workshop will present many approaches to painting additively and subtractively using soft stick pastel and PanPastel with mixed media. Underpainting with water mixable oil, transfer techniques, monotype as underpainting, "carving" techniques, stencils, frottage, and much more. The class will expand your visual vocabulary and re-ignite your passion for the pastel medium.

Dawn's playful attitude and energy, together with her love of experimenting, will make you fall in love with drawing all over again! All levels, subjects, and styles are welcome. Dawn is the author of "Pastel Innovations," and has produced 7 instructional dvds about pastel. She is a signature member of PSA and is represented by the PCA (Peterson Contemporary Art) Gallery in Bend, Oregon. Her website is https://dawnemerson.com.

Emerson art

Karen Margulis Workshop - October 12-14, 2022

Margulis workshop

Margulis workshop

Margulis workshop

Margulis workshop

Margulis workshop

Rita Kirkman Workshop - October 13-15, 2021

Kirkman workshop

Kirkman workshop

Kirkman workshop

Colette Odya Smith Workshop — May 13–15, 2019

Smith workshop

Smith workshop

Smith workshop

Smith workshop

Smith workshop

Smith workshop

Smith workshop

Doug Dawson Workshop, May 13-15, 2018

Dawson workshop

Dawson workshop

Dawson workshop

Dawson workshop

Dawson workshop

Fred Somers Workshop, May 2-5 2017

Somers workshop

Somers workshop

Somers workshop

Somers workshop

Marc Hanson pastel workshop, September 6-8, 2016

Hanson workshop 1

Hanson workshop 2

Hanson workshop 3

Hanson workshop 4

Hanson workshop 5

Hanson workshop 6

Hanson workshop 7

Hanson workshop 8

Hanson workshop 9

Debora Stewart abstract workshop, April 2016

Stewart workshop 1

Stewart workshop 2

Stewart workshop 3

Stewart workshop 4

Stewart workshop 5

Stewart workshop 6

Stewart workshop 7

Stewart workshop 8

Stewart workshop 9

Stewart workshop 10

Stewart workshop 11

Barbara Jaenicke workshop, July-August 2015

The Lake Country Pastel Society had the good fortune to have Barbara Jaenicke in the Twin Cities for a 3 day workshop, July 31st, Aug. 1st and 2nd. The workshop was held at the Banfill Locke Art Center in Fridley. The workshop was full with 20 participants, 13 were from our membership and the other 7 were from around the cities and as far away as Chicago. It was a very successful experience for everyone. We enjoyed the workshop and Barbara sold all five of her paintings at the end of the last workshop day. She had brought three smaller pastels, and her two beautiful demos were also part of her sales.

She introduced us to her method of seeing 5 large abstract shapes in a landscape. We did a simple drawing of that and used nu-pastels to apply for a very colorful underpainting. We then applied rubbing alcohol and spread this throughout the underpainting with a bristle brush. The application of the soft pastels over this, allowed for the beauty and richness of the color and light to come through from the underpainting. The results were fascinating and we all walked away with great inspiration to continue our process of experimentation. The last day was a good exercise in minimal stroke experience. She had us do 4 studies of apples with only 20 strokes. Then, we moved on to 4 smaller landscape studies with only 75 strokes. It was both challenging and rewarding to take this exercise into practice.

Jaenicke demo 1

Jaenicke demo 2

Jaenicke demo 3

Jaenicke demo 4

Jaenicke demo 5

Richard McKinley workshop, August 2014

McKinley class 1

McKinley class 2

McKinley pastels

McKinley painting 1

McKinley painting 1

McKinley painting 1

McKinley painting 1

McKinley sketch

McKinley painting 2

McKinley painting 2

McKinley painting 2

McKinley painting 2

Lisa Stauffer workshop, February 2014

Stauffer class

Stauffer class 1

Albert Handell workshop, August 2013

Handell class

Handell class 1

Handell class 3

Handell class 4

Handell class 6

Handell class 7