Instruction
Come take a class in person, join a Zoom lesson, enjoy a private workshop, get 1-on-1 virtual mentoring or try out some instructional books and videos.
2025 Class Schedule
Pastel Innovations
Date: March 7-9: In-Person
Where: Destination Art in Torrance, CA
Contact: 310-742-3192
LocalArtists@destination-art.net
Printmaking & Pastels
Date: May 5-9: In-Person
Where: Dakota Art Pastels in Mount Vernon, WA - Maximum 10 students
Contact: info@dakotapastels.com
Pastel Innovations
Date: May 16-18: In-Person
Where: Pastel Society of Western New York, Rochester NY
Contact: Bonnie Wallace bjwallace@gmail.com
**Schedule List Updated Monthly**
Don’t see a class you can make?
Get some friends together & make your own.
Class Descriptions
Pastel Innovations
This class, based on Pastel Innovations, teaches students to combine PanPastels with stick pastels, oil pastels, and mixed media to create layered imagery. Emphasis is placed on storytelling potential through various creative exercises and materials.
Printmaking & Pastels
The class will include instruction for several types of monotype to be used as stand-alone works or as backgrounds for adding mixed media like PanPastel, stick pastel, oil pastel, crayon, color pencil, cold wax and oil.
Private Workshops
Large Group Workshops are available by Zoom or in-person at your location for 10-16 people.
Small Group Workshops are an option for 4-6 people to have a more intimate experience at my studio in Terrebonne Oregon or at a location of your choice.
Choose from the options below or if you can’t decide, let me design one for you!
Large Group - Zoom or In-Person
Sumi Ink on Clayboard
This class is designed to introduce participants to additive and subtractive techniques of drawing/painting by removing sumi ink from the surface of white Claybord, a product made by Ampersand. This method is similar to scratchboard technique, but is so much easier, forgiving, and faster! It’s a great way to learn about composition and all the elements of design. The addition of color will also be covered.
Class: limited to 10-16 people @$95/person
Time: 2 consecutive days - 2 hrs/day - 4 hrs total
Location: Zoom or In-person
Pastel Innovations
This class is based on my book, Pastel Innovations. The class introduces students to using PanPastels with stick pastels, oil pastels, and a huge variety of mixed media to create uniquely layered imagery. PanPastels has been a huge influence in my work, and I’m eager to share them with you! Discovering your unique story telling potential will be emphasized through various exercises incorporating pastels with water mixable oil, oil pastel, stencils, crayons, and cold wax.
Class: limited to 10-16 people @$195/person
Time: 4 consecutive weeks - 2 hrs 1 day a week - 8 hrs total
Location: Zoom or In-person
Small Group - At my Terrebonne OR Studio or at a location of your choice
Pastel Innovations with Monotype Techniques
Enjoy working in a gorgeous setting while working in a spacious studio equipped with 2 presses and all the materials you need! The class will include instruction for several types of monotype to be used as stand-alone works or as backgrounds for adding mixed media like PanPastel, stick pastel, oil pastel, crayon, color pencil, cold wax and oil.
Get a group together and share lodging and food! The cost of this class includes all materials you need—just bring yourself!
Class: limited to 6 students to maximize time and space
- Group of 4 = $1250/person
- Group of 5 = $1000/person
- Group of 6 = $825/person
Time: 5 days - 8 hrs/day - 40 hrs total
Location: Terrebonne OR Studio, or Location of your choice
Monotypes For Everyone!
This class is geared for people regardless of experience level, ages 8 and up. I will introduce you to the amazingly fun and color-filled world of monotypes and help you tap into your creativity in an environment that is both supportive and inspiring.
No drawing is required! Using an etching press, stencils and found objects, you will use non-toxic, water clean-up inks to produce frame-worthy artwork to take home. All materials included.
Class: limited to 6 students. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a participating adult.
- Group of 4 to 6= $250/person
Time: 1 day - 6 hrs
Location: Terrebonne OR Studio, or Location of your choice
Dawn’s Terrebonne OR Studio
If you’d like your own Personalized workshop for a small group at my Terrebonne OR Studio, please reach out by email for pricing, details or questions at dawnemersonart@gmail.com.
Virtual Mentoring & Instruction
If you are truly engaged in the process of learning HOW TO SEE, and committed to PRACTICE, the progress we can make is profound. I will be as committed as you are to sharing what I know with you. I’d love to hear what your goal(s) is(are) and will tell you if I think I can help up front.
In the past I’ve offered 6 one-hour lessons by zoom to those who want private mentoring for $500, which included a free hour-long consultation up front after you submit 10 images of your work. Based on my experience over the years, 3 out of 5 people actually do the work, and those who did benefitted greatly. I’d rather not have you pay money up front only to later realize you may not be ready to commit to six sessions.
That said, as of Jan 1, 2025, the 1-hour initial ZOOM consultation cost is $65. During that time we’ll review your work and goals and decide whether mentoring with me works for you. We’ll make a game plan and a schedule. You’ll send me images of your efforts by email one day before our scheduled meeting time, as well as a $95 payment by PayPal for the upcoming lesson. Our meetings can vary in occurrence between 1-4 weeks, and you can stop our meetings at any point. In order to maintain momentum and progress, however, the number of weeks in between sessions should not exceed 4 weeks. Each lesson will consist of a review of your work, demonstrations if needed, and an assignment for the following session. You are welcome to email me between sessions if you have questions.
The application for mentoring is attached below, and I sincerely look forward to meeting you and learning more about you!
Dawn Emerson
Instructional Books & Videos
Available on Amazon.
Portable, practical, and beautiful from PanPastel.
Buy or rent on Vimeo.