Introduction to Pastel Landscapes

This introduction to pastels is suitable to beginners and those wanting to try the medium of pastels.

Over the course of five weeks you will be shown how to build up layers of colour, blend and add finer details using a variety of soft pastels and pastel pencils. We will explore the theme of landscapes from seascapes, woodland scenes to mountain scenes building up your skills throughout the sessions. You can bring in your own landscape photo for the final week and be guided on how to create your own pastel drawing from this as inspiration.

This course is designed to teach the basic skills of pastel drawing including developing a confidence with using pastels, learning how to blend, use different mark making techniques and how to add detail with pastel pencils. Each week will focus on a different landscape. Images for inspiration will be provided, or you’re welcome to bring your own photographs to work from, or even work from your memory and imagination!

About the tutor:

Tutor Nikki McCathie, new to our team of tutors here at Attenborough Arts Centre, is an experienced arts practitioner who has been delivering creative workshops for over 10 years across the county. Nikki loves breaking down workshops into simple manageable steps to introduce beginners to new skills, materials and techniques.

Further information:

This five week course will run on Monday mornings, starting on 12 January, with the final session on 9 February 2026.

All materials and equipment will be provided. Please come in old clothes and/or bring an apron as pastels can get messy!

Participants must be aged 18+.

If the course/workshop you’d like to book is sold out, we do operate a waiting list – simply contact our box office team on 0116 252 2455 / arts-centre@le.ac.uk and ask to be added to the waiting list. We’ll then contact you if a place becomes available, with absolutely no obligation to accept it if you’ve made other plans!

Please ensure that you agree to our updated Terms & Conditions before booking as courses/workshops are non-refundable in some circumstances.

We aim to make all our sessions as accessible as possible and carers/PAs are very welcome – just remember to book their free place when you book your session. If you’d like to talk to us in advance of booking or attending your sessions to discuss your access needs, our Box Office team is here to help! Email arts-centre@le.ac.uk, pop in or call 0116 252 2455, open 7 days a week.

We have four blue badge parking spaces outside Attenborough Arts Centre, plus double yellow line roadside parking very close to the building for blue badge holders for up to three hours if our parking spaces are occupied.

Free parking for all customers is available after 5pm on weekdays and all day at weekends in the University of Leicester car park next door to Attenborough Arts Centre on Lancaster Road.

The closest public car park for parking at all other times is Victoria Park, 5-10 minutes walk from us (near De Montfort Hall).