Create a beautiful, luminous beach landscape while learning the fundamentals of pastel painting. Students will explore composition, value, color temperature, layering, and expressive mark-making to capture the light, atmosphere, and movement of a coastal scene. Through step-by-step instruction, participants will complete a finished pastel painting while gaining techniques they can apply to future landscapes.

Karen Peck – August 29, 2026

Workshop Pastel Landscape Workshop-Beach Pathways

In this workshop students will learn how to build a luminous beach landscape step by step, beginning with theessential foundation of simplifying the scene into clear value shapes. We will use a black-and-white study tounderstand composition, contrast, and the placement of major masses before moving into color. Participant sexplore how warm and cool color families work together to create believable light—soft sands, cool water, and the subtle transitions of a coastal sky.  As the painting develops, students practice layering techniques, refining edges, and adding atmospheric depth. We will explore expressive mark-making to suggest movement and texture—especially in theforeground grasses, where directional strokes help anchor the scene and create a sense of place. The progression moves from broad shapes to subtle details, giving participants the confidence to build a cohesive,luminous coastal landscape. By the end of the session, each participant leaves with a finished beach landscape and a deeper understanding of how value and temperature create mood and harmony in pastel.

Materials: You may bring your own, or borrow CCAC supplies! 

• Hard and soft pastels in a range of values and colors (NOT oil pastels). 
• Pencil/ eraser
• Sanded pastel paper in a light color (cream or white)*There will be  9x12 sheets of U-Art paper for $4.00 each if you need one.
• *Cheap set of watercolors,
• water dish and
• old large brush (1 inch) for underpainting
• Backing board for paper, clips or tape to attach paper to board
• Old towel or washcloth for hands and wiping pastels clean
• Simple beach reference photo with sand and dune grasses (Karen will have some choices) Preferably black andwhite and a color copy if printed or on your phone so we can turn a color copy to black and white. 

For Ages: 16+

Class Description:

Join artist and instructor Eric Westbrook in developing and improving your landscape painting skills. Instructor will be demonstrating with oil paint, but students are welcome to use acrylics if they prefer.

In this workshop, students will learn the fundamentals of landscape painting. Basic painting techniques will be explored. Focus will be on composition, color, atmosphere, and contrast in a painting. Each class will consist of a demonstration and individual critiques. All levels and materials welcome. 

Bring your own or utilize Arts Council supplies of acrylic paint, brushes and mixed media paper, included in the cost of the class. Both standing and table easels available.

Classes will be on Saturday: 10/3,10/10,10/24 from 1:30-3:30PM and can be taken as a series or for just one session.

Instructor Bio:

Eric Westbrook is a painter, illustrator, and art instructor living and working in the Washington DC area. Current and former teaching venues include The Yellow Barn at Glen Echo, The Smithsonian, and VisArts in Rockville, MD.

For Ages: 12+

Class Description:

Have you always wanted to learn how to make a dream catcher? Here's your chance!

In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the art of weaving while creating a beautiful 7–8-inch dream catcher to take home. Hoops, cord, beads, and feathers are provided, and participants are encouraged to bring small personal embellishments—such as charms, meaningful beads, or keepsakes—to make their dream catcher uniquely their own.

Beyond being a beautiful decorative piece, the process of creating a dream catcher can be relaxing, meditative, and creatively fulfilling. Whether you're attending with a friend, partner, parent, or child, this workshop offers a fun and meaningful opportunity to slow down, create, and connect.

Instructor Bio:

Michelle has studied and been involved with Native American culture, teachings, and spiritual practices for more than 30 years. Through this workshop, she shares the artistry and traditions that have inspired her creative practice, inviting participants to explore the weaving process while learning about the cultural significance and symbolism associated with dream catchers. Michelle strives to create a welcoming environment where creativity, mindfulness, and respect for these traditions come together.

Members receive 10% off with promo code MEMBER

For Ages: 14-17

Class Description:

This comprehensive workshop is designed to help middle and high school students prepare a strong, competitive portfolio for their future  art program applications. Students will receive guided instruction on selecting and refining artwork, developing cohesive bodies of work, and presenting their pieces professionally for submission.

Participants will learn what Art Programs look for in an art portfolio, including technical skill, conceptual development, originality, and process documentation. The workshop will cover portfolio organization, photographing artwork, writing effective artist statements, and understanding digital submission platforms such as SlideRoom.

Through personalized feedback, group critiques, and one-on-one guidance, students will leave with a clearer direction for their artistic voice and a structured plan for completing and submitting their portfolio on time.

Ideal for juniors and seniors planning to apply to art schools, design programs, or fine arts departments, this workshop equips students with the tools, confidence, and strategic insight needed to present their work at a professional level.

Members receive 10% off with promo code MEMBER

Scholarships Available! 

For Ages: 18+ (Students ages 12-17 may register with an adult)

Description: Create Meaningful Mirrors, Frames and Collages with Upcycled Materials! Upcycle found objects into a unique mosaic! All it takes is one unexpected find to begin a collection of materials to create a story. While exploring diverse textures, shapes and colors, you will learn a process of arranging a mosaic, based on materials that appeal to you! The catalyst for the theme is derived from objects that spark a memory or begin an imaginary story. Using traditional and unconventional materials and mosaic tools, we will create a one of a kind mosaic art experience. Materials of ceramics, glass, metals, wood, shells, beads (my favorite) and wires will be provided to share. You are encouraged to bring along objects/materials that could be included in your unique mosaic and to share.

Supplies: 

• A found object that brings you joy that could be part of your mosaic or hang from your mosaic
• Materials to share: broken or not- tiles, plates, glass, rocks, jewelry
• If you have them: Goggles, gloves, a metal file, any cutters applicable

Instructor Bio: My love of environmental art naturally thrives in upcycling materials into jewelry, mobile sculptures, and mosaics for indoors and outdoors. As a Baltimore County Art Teacher of K-12, one highlight was sharing environmental art projects at a National Art Educators Convention in New Orleans. I’ve enjoyed mentoring many art interns from McDaniel College, Towson University and Maryland Institute of Art. Since retired, I was invited to become a partner at Off Track Art Gallery here in Westminster, I volunteer in the Reisterstown Improvement Association projects and am now the President of the Franklin Garden Club. I’m excited to share ideas and materials for upcycling mosaics and to hear about the treasures you bring to this creative workshop!      

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 https://www.offtrackart.com/ for more information. 

For Ages: 18+ (Students ages 12-17 may register with an adult)

Description:

Join Karen Peck in a workshop on Painting the Fall Landscape in Pastel.  In this class we will explore painting with soft pastels through the process of layering pastels 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. Karen will demonstrate the process of creating an underpainting with watercolor of a fall landscape. She will demonstrate the layering of pastels to create subtle changes in color and value and invites you to paint your own fall landscape. 

Materials Students Should Bring from home or purchase, with names of suppliers:

• old cloth and apron 
• soft pastels in a variety of colors (amazon sells- Rembrandt, Mungyo, Sennelier, Mount Vision, Jack Richeson) 
• pastel paper preferably sanded and white or cream in color(amazon sells U-Art, Pastel Premier, Canson Mi-Teintes, Luxarchival, Pastelmat)  
• backing board 
• Please bring several fall landscape photos to be used as a reference. 

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 https://www.offtrackart.com/ for more information. 

For Ages: 18+ (Students ages 12-17 may register with an adult)

Description: The Art of Zentangle®: A Journey into Mindful Creativity

Discover the Zentangle® Method—an easy-to-learn, meditative, and joyful way to create beautiful art through simple, structured patterns. In this relaxing class, you’ll learn how simple lines and patterns can flow together to create stunning art. Each stroke becomes a moment of mindfulness, helping you unwind, focus, and reconnect with your creative spirit. You’ll leave with beautiful finished pieces and a sense of joy. No prior artistic experience is needed—if you can hold a pen, you can Zentangle®! All supplies are included.

Instructor Bio: Jaqui MacMillan believes that healing happens through art and music. In the early 1980s, she earned her degree in Graphic Art, Design, and Fine Art from the University of Maryland. Since 1987, she has been teaching private and group art and craft lessons in a wide variety of mediums. Her artwork has won multiple awards and has been published and distributed around the world. As a double-certified Zentangle® teacher (CZT, 2016 and 2019), Jaqui teaches at senior centers, art centers, community colleges, and at her shop and studio—Magnolia House Studios in Westminster, Maryland.

Members receive 10% off with promo code MEMBER