Have you always wanted to learn how to create pastel landscapes? Here’s your chance!

In this class we will explore painting with soft pastels through the process of layering to create a fall landscape. Karen will review briefly the variety of pastels from hard to soft, the choices in papers, underpainting processes, mark making, and layering. She will demonstrate the process of creating an underpainting with watercolor and the layering of pastels to create subtle changes in color and value and invites you to paint your own fall landscape.

November 7, 2026
10:00am – 4:00pm
Ages 18+
Students Age 12-17 may register with a registered adult

Materials students should bring with them:

• Soft pastels in a variety of colors (not oil pastels!)
• Light-colored pastel paper preferably white or cream. Sanded pastel paper is recommended.
• Backing board
• An old cloth and apron
• Several fall landscape photos to be used as a reference.

Need supplies? Basic soft pastel sets and art paper can be found at local craft/art stores such as Michaels. Specialty pastel supplies are also available from online art retailers.

New to pastels? For material recommendations or borrow CCAC supplies, please contact Visual Arts Coordinator Tatiana Bell at 410-848-7272 or tatiana@carrollcountyartscouncil.org.

Instructor Bio:

KAREN PECK | Karen is a Carroll County artist and educator whose work explores the expressive color, texture, and immediacy of soft pastel. A lifelong creative, Karen studied art education and spent her career teaching before turning more fully to her own studio practice. Inspired by landscapes, travel, and the beauty found in everyday surroundings, Karen paints as a way to slow down, observe, and connect more deeply with the world around her. Her work often captures meaningful places and memories, balancing careful technique with a personal, intuitive approach. For Karen, art is less about simply making an image and more about creating a sense of renewal, peace, and connection for both the artist and the viewer.

Members receive 10% off with promo code MEMBER

Workshop organized in partnership with Off Track Art Gallery. Visit the gallery at 11 Center Street and their website www.offtrackart.com for more information. 

When you register for a class or workshop with the Carroll County Arts Council, you’re doing more than signing up to create! Your registration helps us provide competitive and equitable compensation to local and regional teaching artists while creating welcoming, high-quality opportunities for people across Carroll County to learn, connect, and explore their creativity!

Want to help someone else participate?
Pay it forward! Consider making a gift to support arts education and scholarship opportunities. Your generosity helps open the door for more of our neighbors to discover, learn, and create.

Need assistance participating?
Creativity belongs to everyone. Scholarship assistance is available for youth and adult participants, including the Linda Van Hart “HART for Art” Scholarship Fund for adult learners.

When you support the Carroll County Arts Council, you’re helping build a more vibrant, creative, and connected Carroll County!