Animal Pastels with Mariah Sotelino

Description

Create colorful animal portraits in pastel! Learning to draw animals using this gloriously colorful, texture-rich medium is incredibly satisfying. Mariah guides young artists step-by-step through creating realistic animal portraits using the grid method. Each class begins with warm-ups to build strong drawing skills, followed by two demonstrations working from animal photo references. Students improve their observational abilities, color choices, perspective, and value scale understanding while working at their own pace with personalized feedback from Mariah. INSTRUCTOR BIO: Mariah is a naturalist, educator, and illustrator with a master's in Illustration from Maryland Institute College of Art. A member of The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, The Guild of Natural Science Illustrators, and The Society of Illustrators, she's passionate about the intersection of science and art. With a nurturing personality and contagious smile, Mariah motivates young artists to find their own voice and build their artistic toolbox. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Block in shapes using the envelope method (still life) and grid method (photo reference) Check proportion, angles, and spatial relationships to achieve realistic lines Master 1-point, 2-point, and 3-point perspective to create 3D illusion on paper Apply the value scale to everyday objects for consistent, believable lighting Create aesthetically beautiful compositions using the golden ratio and rule of threes. CLASS DATES: Thursdays, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5. Makeup date, if needed on 3/12. Photo credit: "Leopard" by Mariah P. Sotelino, 2025"