Explore the rich possibilities of color, light, and luminosity in this soft pastel workshop with Judy Albright, an award-winning artist and member of the Vermont Pastel Society.
Please bring the following materials:
A travel or plèin air pastel set
Drawing board
1 - 2 surfaces - paper, board, etc. in the size of your choice
Photos or reference drawings of your choice to start a painting
A small, thumbnail value drawing of what you will paint
The workshop will begin with a lesson and discussion on how artists use color, value, and temperature to create luminosity and a sense of light. A series of guided exercises designed to experiment and observe how different color relationships affect the feeling of light will follow.
From there, each participant will develop a painting of their choice using their reference material and thumbnail value study with individualized guidance and feedback. Participants will have time to experiment, reflect, and refine their paintings while exploring the role of color and luminosity in their own artistic practice.
Please note: This workshop is designed for intermediate pastel artists who are comfortable working independently and have a strong understanding of pastel materials and techniques. It is not an introductory pastel class.
Coffee and tea will be provided. Please pack a lunch or visit one of the local restaurants downtown. The fridge and microwave are available for use.
Saturday, October 24
9:00am - 3:00pm
$100
Ages 16+
Judy Albright
From the moment I could hold a crayon, I dreamed of being an artist. Yet, like many, I set that dream aside—choosing instead a path of nurturing young minds as a kindergarten teacher for over three decades. My classroom was always alive with color, song, and creativity, but it wasn’t until retirement that I finally gave myself permission to return to my first love: art.
Now, nestled in Middlebury, Vermont, I am surrounded by the gentle embrace of the Green Mountains and the distant majesty of the Adirondacks. This landscape, and the extraordinary kindness of my community, have become the heart of my inspiration. Through pastel mark making, I explore still life, landscape, and floral subjects—each piece a meditation on gratitude, belonging, and the quiet beauty of home.
My work is a celebration of the small, significant moments that ground us: the way morning light spills across a kitchen table, the hush of snow on a familiar path, the wild joy of a bloom in spring. I strive to see the world with the wonder of a child—something my students taught me every day—and to share that sense of amazement and comfort with others.
Art, for me, is both a homecoming and an offering. I hope my paintings invite you to pause, reflect, and find your own sense of place and gratitude.