You’ve likely opened a fresh box of oil pastels before, only to end up with muddy colours, waxy textures and a page that just didn’t feel like you imagined. Sound familiar?

Now imagine sitting down with pastel sticks you feel confident about, a warm space around you, and the guidance to really create. This cheerful‑start course is built just for that, designed to give you structure, skills and creative freedom while you learn with encouragement, fun and clarity.

Across five sessions you’ll explore core techniques like layering, blending and colour mixing, without the usual muddle. Each session includes a special twist: guest speakers, life‑model drawing, structured still life and demo moments, making it feel like a creative masterclass, but totally beginner‑friendly.

I’ll guide you through exercises that build mark‑making confidence, help you simplify subjects and use expressive colour to capture light, shadow and mood. No prior experience required, just curiosity and a willingness to play.

We’ll focus on four core genres: still life, landscape, portrait and mixed media. With each one you’ll practise sketches, thumbnails and colour studies, so by the end you’ll know how to plan and create with intention. And most importantly, you’ll finish with artwork you’re proud to show and a toolkit you’ll keep using.

If you’ve ever thought “I couldn’t even draw a stick,” this course is firmly for you. You’ll walk away feeling more confident, more playful, and excited about what’s possible with oil pastels.