Judy Drew Pastel Masterclass
Three-Day Master Class at Aarwun Gallery
Dates
Friday 30 October – Sunday 1 November 2026
Time
9:30am – 3:30pm daily
Venue
Aarwun Gallery, Canberra
About the Artist
Aarwun Gallery is delighted to present an exclusive three-day pastel masterclass with established Australian artist Judy Drew.
Judy Drew is an accomplished Australian pastel artist and educator with a long-standing professional practice. Her work is recognised for its refined treatment of light, harmonious colour relationships, and sophisticated layered pastel techniques. Combining classical observational training with a contemporary approach, her paintings possess both atmospheric sensitivity and strong compositional structure.
Judy has exhibited extensively throughout Australia and internationally, while maintaining an active teaching practice that has inspired artists of all experience levels. Her teaching is grounded in the principles of observational drawing, tonal accuracy, composition and the development of each artist's individual visual language.
Masterclass Overview
This immersive three-day masterclass offers participants the opportunity to work closely with Judy Drew in a professional studio environment at Aarwun Gallery.
Through demonstrations, practical studio sessions and individual mentoring, participants will strengthen both their technical skills and artistic confidence. The workshop balances classical observational techniques with creative interpretation, encouraging each artist to develop their own approach to drawing and pastel.
Working from both still life and the human figure, participants will explore observational drawing, tonal structure, colour relationships and composition while receiving personalised feedback throughout the workshop.
Workshop Program
Day One – Life Drawing in Charcoal
The opening day introduces observational figure drawing using charcoal.
Participants will explore gesture, proportion, structure and tonal relationships while working from a live model. Judy will demonstrate methods for accurately observing and simplifying the figure before guiding participants through a series of exercises designed to build confidence and observational skills.
Day Two – Still Life in Pastel
Day Two focuses on still life using soft pastel.
Judy will begin with a demonstration covering:
Composition
Simplifying and refining shapes
Tonal values
Layering colour in pastel
Creating atmosphere and depth
Participants will then develop their own still life paintings with individual instruction, learning techniques for building luminous colour, strong form and harmonious compositions.
Day Three – Portrait & Figurative Drawing in Pastel
The final day returns to the live model, this time working in colour pastel.
The focus is on:
Proportion and structure
Gesture and movement
Colour selection
Capturing light and form
Expressive mark-making
Participants will refine their observational accuracy while developing a more personal and confident approach to figurative pastel work.
Suitable for All Levels
This masterclass welcomes artists of all experience levels.
Beginners will receive clear guidance in the foundations of observational drawing and pastel techniques, while experienced artists will benefit from advanced technical refinement, individual mentoring and deeper exploration of colour, composition and personal expression.
No previous pastel experience is required.
Learning Experience
Throughout the three days, Judy provides individual feedback tailored to each participant's experience, interests and artistic goals.
Rather than encouraging a single style or outcome, the workshop focuses on strengthening observation, technical confidence and the development of each participant's own artistic voice.
Participants can expect a supportive, inspiring and professional learning environment where experimentation and personal growth are encouraged.
MATERIALS LIST
Day 1: Life Drawing In Charcoal
Participants will receive advice regarding charcoal materials prior to the workshop.
Day 2: STILL LIFE
1(or 2) sheets Black Mei Tiente or Art Spectrum (sandpaper type) paper
A range of soft coloured pastels ( Schmincke Soft Pastels Judy’s preference however any good soft pastels will do)
White Conte (Hard Pastel) or pastel pencil for foundation drawing
A small hand held mirror
A paper stump or Tortillon
Bulldog clips
A soft rag
Fixative
Day 3: COLOURED PASTEL PORTRAIT/FIGURATIVE
1 (or 2) Large Textured sheets of Black Mei Tiente or Art Spectrum (sandpaper type)
A small range of flesh-toned hard Conte pastels including black and white. Recommended brands, Jack Richeson, Alpha Fine Textured brands or Conte a Paris in the following colour.
Flesh
Light Orange
Madder
Raw Umber
Black
White
A range of soft coloured pastels (Schmincke Judy’s preference)
Paper stump for blending
Small hand held mirror
Soft rag
Bulldog clips
Fixative
What You'll Gain
By the end of the masterclass participants will have developed:
Greater confidence in observational drawing
Stronger understanding of tonal structure
Improved composition skills
Techniques for layering and blending pastel
A deeper understanding of colour harmony
Increased confidence in drawing the figure and still life
Personalised guidance to support their own artistic development
Join Judy Drew for three inspiring days of focused studio practice and discover new ways of seeing, drawing and working with pastel in a supportive gallery environment.