It is only when we are no longer fearful 

that we can freely create.         J.W. Turner

Learning to accept the uncomfortable places we encounter in the creative process allows us to incorporate new information with grace, shift out of fear, and move into a joy-filled process of artistic exploration and expression.

2026 WORKSHOPS

This four-day intensive will build a strong foundation of knowledge that will jump-start your exploration of the pastel medium. Students will have the opportunity to experience a variety of pastel materials through hands-on experience. 

There will be several short exercises that allow students to work with different pastel brands, understand what makes each unique, and how each feels when applied to different types of paper.

This in-depth analysis of materials will help you identify the paper and pastel brands that best suit your painting approach.

Methods for arranging, storing, caring, and transporting pastels will be discussed.

Introduction to the importance of composition, big shapes, and color selection will be explored through several quick, fun exercises.

Students will learn the ABCs of design. 

Analyze - How to build a strong composition using big shapes and contrast.

Build layers - Learn techniques for building layers using the paper and pastels selected as your favorites.

Color story - Develop a method for creating a color story that teaches the concept of value and how to see values in color.

The teacher demonstrations will be high-energy and brief, allowing you to spend more time painting. Hands-on exercises will provide the opportunity to experiment and apply the information taught. Two paintings will be completed during the workshop.

Workshop fee is just $400 plus tax. 

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In this fast-paced three-day pastel workshop, Tobi will share her process for creating a dynamic color story utilizing the four elements of contrast.  Students will gain a deeper understanding of color relationships and color values, and see the impact of utilizing this technique in creating a dynamic sky painting. 

Tobi has found that by taking the time to create a color story before painting, frustrating errors and color corrections midway through painting occur less often. This process allows the painting to unfold harmoniously and with a sense of relaxation.

Workshop fee is just $375 plus tax.

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In this four-day  pastel workshop, Tobi will share many of her techniques for creating  believable clouds and luminous skies. 

• Students will address the importance of the sky and earth-plane relationship in a composition and learn how to amass and simplify cloud forms and create interest in an otherwise boring sky.
• You will learn techniques for building layers that create believable stormy clouds instead of lumpy mashed potatoes.
• Tobi will demonstrate how she uses brushes in how her approach to working with PastelMat paper allows you to paint with a dry medium.
• There will be a strong emphasis on understanding the importance of color values in creating a color story that will teach color relationships and Value needed to capture the radiance that is so appealing in a sunset. 

Tobi believes that one learns best by first observing and then working independently. The first day is spent watching short, detailed explanations and teacher demonstrations. Students will then work on quick corresponding exercises, which integrate the information with hands-on experience and teacher support. 

During the following two days, students will work toward completing two paintings, one of stormy clouds and the other of a luminous sunset, both utilizing the concepts introduced on the first day. 

The workshop is ideal for pastel students who understand the basics and have worked with pastels for at least a year or more.

Workshop fee is just $400 plus tax.

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Exciting News! 

I will be presenting on Thursday, June 18th 1-4PM, DM102

Dueling Demos is a fast-paced, action-packed demonstration! 

Two artists are paired off to paint from the same photo reference. 

There will be four teams of artists participating.

Terrilynn Dubrueil has been selected to be my dueling partner, and I'm thrilled! Her exuberant creative energy will make for an action packed duel! 

Registration for the IAPS event is now open.  
Registration for specific class choices will open on January 19th, 2026.

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PLEASE NOTE! The IAPS organization sadly announced that this will be the last convention.  They decided it is too complicated and expensive to continue hosting this amazing event.  Be sure you don't miss this wonderful gathering of amazing instructors, pastel enthusiasts, and the "candy store" which will have vendors selling the latest pastel materials. 

Register now, and be ready to grab the class you are interested in as soon as the website opens in January!   Classes fill up quickly.