PLEASE NOTE: This workshop was originally due to run Feb 14/15th but was washed out in the February Floods it has now been rescheduled to run 14/15th November 2026. Thank you for your understanding.

Weekend Workshop: Setting the Scene in Soft Pastel with Maxine Thompson

Discover how thoughtful backgrounds can bring any subject to life

Learn about the power of backgrounds and how to create an artistic statement — whatever your subject.

In this workshop, we’ll explore:

How something as simple as the choice of paper colour can transform a piece

Using tone and colour schemes in the background to support your subject

Less detail for more impact

When to use subtle suggestion versus making a bold statement

Choosing between abstract backgrounds or detailed realism

Practical ways to enhance the message of your artwork through background design

Maxine Thompson is a generous tutor whose demonstrations will equip beginners to advanced students to do a variety of exercises over the weekend, adapting the lessons to suit the wants and needs of the students. Maxine Thompson has over 35 years’ experience working with soft (chalk) pastels achieving Master Pastelist Status in Australia and New Zealand so we are very fortunate to have a tutor of this calibre.

Maxine will guide you through a number of soft pastel skills that are transferable across all art forms. Including shadows/light, perspective, contrasting tone, texture and observation all while having fun throughout the lessons.

Her experience means she is able to cater for very beginning students while extending intermediate to advanced students in areas of their choosing.

BYO lunch, snacks and drink bottle. A materials list will be supplied after booking and there is the option to buy materials (including paper & chalk pastels) from the tutor during the weekend.

Workshop is $190 per person (+ booking fee of $6) - Running the weekend of November 14th & 15th. Class will start setting up at 8:30am with a 9am start, finishing at 4pm each day.

Workshop will take place at the Ōtorohanga Museum, 15 Kakamutu Street, Ōtorohanga