Mangrove, pastels by Dr Vanessa Barbay
Kingfisher, pastels by Dr Vanessa Barbay
Baba Yaga, pastels by Dr Vanessa Barbay

Playing in Pastels: 2 Day workshop

$290.00

Make your own naturalist artwork with Dr Vanessa Barbay

Saturday 23 August 2025: 10am-4pm

Sunday 24 August 2025: 10am-4pm

Suitable for All Skill Levels, ages 16+

Ever wanted permission to explore the colourful, tactile world of pastel? Do your eyes like to ponder the sublime beauty of the Mangrove estuary?

If yes, join Dr Vanessa Barbay for a weekend in nature’s wonderland en plein air  on the beautiful grounds of the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum, and in the classroom.

On day one we begin by finding inspiration on the boardwalk taking photographs and tonal drawing in charcoal (pastel’s wild relation). On day two we settle into the studio for an intensive play with soft pastels on coloured card to create your own unique naturalist piece.

Your tutor will focus on design principles like colour theory and learning to ‘see’.

What you will learn:

  • How to select and compose suitable drawing subjects
  • Photography techniques like framing, shot types and angles
  • Using charcoal lines to describe tone and harnessing a gum eraser
  • Breaking down forms into colourful and monochromatic shapes

Bring your favourite set of pastels, charcoal and gum eraser.

→ DOWNLOAD REQUIREMENTS LIST

14 in stock

SKU: VAN-2025-PLATE-2 Category:

Description

About Vanessa

Vanessa Barbay is a contemporary artist who was raised in Vincentia on Jervis Bay like her mother Maree. An intense familial connection to country drives her practice. Teachings and guidance from Aboriginal friends and mentors alongside the naturalist activities of her father Tibor Barbay (1946-2015) inform her choice of materials and techniques. She developed and refined her unique process during her PhD candidature at the ANU (2009-2013). Her work has been described as exquisite yet confronting and reflects the devastating impact of the current geological age of the Anthropocene.

Website: laomedia.com

Additional information

CHOOSE A DAY

Saturday 24 August, Sunday 25 August

What to Bring

Student Requirements List

Essential:

  • Closed-toe shoes, apron and/or old clothes
  • Water bottle
  • Snacks and lunch (opportunities to buy food will be limited)
  • Bring your favourite set of pastels, charcoal and gum eraser

 

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