Images here are of student work.

Class Schedule:

• Classes will take place in my Holyoke studio.

• Class times will be from 12:00 to 2:30 PM EST , unless otherwise noted, on selected Saturdays each month.

To register for a class, please follow these steps:

1. Choose your preferred date and time slot in the SELECT SESSIONS dropdown menu located just above the PURCHASE button.

2. If you're purchasing a session as a gift for someone, please let me know, and I'll send them a special card with instructions on how to sign up.

Art nourishes the soul, and if you feel the need to unleash your creativity and make something beautiful, you're in the right place. Our classes offer a space for artistic expression and growth.

Class Details:

• I will provide inspiring photos as drawing references, or you are welcome to work from your own images.

• At the beginning of each class, I will demonstrate my approach to starting a drawing, providing valuable insights.

• Participants will then have the opportunity to work on their drawings, with continuous feedback and guidance throughout the session.

• You can observe the progress of my own drawing as the class unfolds.

• Each week will feature a different theme, such as vistas, trees, water, or the sky. You're free to choose whether to work within the suggested theme or explore your own subject matter.

Learning Experience:

• Discover effective techniques for working with pastels, creating space, and crafting compelling compositions.

• The cost of each 2.5-hour class is $55, with classes scheduled on Saturdays from 12:00 to 2:30 PM EST.

• I provide a quarter sheet of Sennelier la Carte (8.5” x 11”) sanded pastel paper and access to my extensive pastel collection.

• If you require additional paper during class, it will be available for purchase at $5 for an 8.5” x 11” sheet.

• You'll have the opportunity to use various pastel brands, including Blue Earth, Mount Vision, Richeson, Terry Ludwig, Schminke, and more, offering a chance to explore what works best for your style.

Benefits:

• Whether you're a beginner or an advanced artist, my studio welcomes artists of all levels.

• Benefit from my 30 years of expertise in the world of pastels and art, gaining insights and techniques that will help you grow as an artist.

• If you're interested in framing your own artwork, we can arrange a framing class on a suitable date. This provides an opportunity to learn the art of framing from an experienced artist. Additional costs for wood, glass, mat board, and foam core may apply for framing classes.

Note:

• A minimum of three participants is required to run each class every week. Consider inviting a friend to join, and if you don't have anyone to join with, rest assured that classes typically fill up once we get started.

Join me in exploring the world of pastels and unleashing your creative potential. I look forward to seeing you in our upcoming classes!

Cancellation Policy:

Students can cancel a session and get a refund if they give me 24 hours notice.

Testimonials

Marlene is an incredible artist and one of the most generous souls you could hope to meet. Those traits combine to create a patient and thoughtful teacher who lets you be the artist you want to be... but better!

Her style of teaching is unique. There's no copying technique or style. You really lead yourself with her guidance and support. In that way you feel more empowered to let your imagination run wild and attempt work you wouldn't expect out of yourself. I am so in love with pastels after working with her and am learning to look at colors and art in an entirely new way. Thank you Marlene!! Jillian

Marlene Rye is a skillful, laid back teacher who offers me a place to create based on what I love. She has a gift for individualizing her instruction to match the learner and her joy in making Art is contagious. Take this class! Elizabeth

I was someone who had no experience or vision of myself as capable of “making art“!  As a new retiree, I was lucky to find Marlene Rye’s positive energy and sense of adventure invite me into her studio and zoom art space! My intro to making art started with Marlene discussing the various choices of paper surfaces and numerous pastel brands.  I had no familiarity with the medium, but her guidance quickly got me started towards  recognizing my own comfort with pastel materials. Marlene encourages each student to  enjoy developing their own style of creating pastel art. I’m so grateful to be learning from the artist and teacher Marlene Rye,  who genuinely gets on board with each of her students unique art journey!  Dani