Introduction to Pastels Series

Introduction to Pastels Series With Terre Lefferts

This class offers an overview of pastel painting techniques and principles. The instructor will demonstrate the techniques and principles of pastel painting, followed by students’ exploration and creation of their own pieces. Throughout the four sessions, the subject matter will include still life, landscapes from photos, and portrait painting, if requested.

In addition to pastel techniques, the class will cover composition, theme, dynamic, linear perspective, color perspective, depth of value, light and shadow, and positive/negative space. Students will be encouraged to express their unique style and create a piece that is truly their own.

Students will need to bring a piece of masonite approximately 16” x 20” for creating their pieces. It’s important to keep these pieces flat and protected during execution, storing or transporting them.  Students are welcome to bring a photo of a favorite scene that they would like to recreate in pastels.

About Your Instructor: Terre Lefferts

Terre is known for her bold color in representing the scenes and vistas that surround us, done in oils and pastels. Her work has been shown recently in solo exhibits at The Blue Hill Library, Birch Bay Retirement Village, Northeast Harbor Library, Southwest Harbor Library, Bar Harbor Winery, and at The Crocker House in Hancock. Additionally, her work can be seen at The Wendell Gilley Museum in Southwest Harbor. She is a member of Pastel Society of Maine, Pastel Society of America, Art Waves and Coastal Fine Artists Alliance of Maine.

Terre Lefferts’ career has been a diverse tapestry of endeavors. After graduating from NYU with a BFA in ballet and modern dance, she embarked on a 30-year journey of performing, choreographing, and teaching at esteemed institutions like Bates College, Jacobs Pillow, Ram Island Dance, and Portland Ballet. She also established her own dance school, nurturing young artists from the age of 4 to 80. In 2008, Lefferts ventured into the healthcare field, earning degrees in Physical Therapy and Massage Therapy.

Simultaneously to her dance and health career, she exhibited in New England galleries including Cry of the Loon Gallery in Casco, Duck Trap Bay Trading Company in Camden, Belvoire Gallery in Millbrook, NY, and John Edwards in Ellsworth, Maine.

In the 1990s, she painted for Judith Hardenbrook in Biddeford, ME, Von Maassen Interiors in Amenia, N.Y., Farnsworth Museum Gift Shop, It’s Ornamental, Harrison, ME, Redding Road House ( 40 foot mural) in Redding, CT, and Joanna’s Designs in Greenwich, CT. She has painted theater backdrops for productions including Peter and the Wolf, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Peer Gynt, and Coppelia, in Ct and Maine, stemming from her earlier career as a ballet dancer.

Her artistic pursuits have continued since 1974, when she studied at the Museum School of Art. She has consistently painted landscapes, portraits, and still lifes. She has taught drawing and painting classes at ArtWaves and the Northeast arts Center in Millerton, NY.

While living much of her life in Maine, she has happily settled in Lamoine, having moved here 5 years ago, with her husband musician Hal Lefferts. She is enjoying the ability to paint the scenes she loves and the towns she cherishes.

Terre takes commissions and usually paints in oils or pastels. Her website is TerreLefferts.com.  She also can be reached at terrelefferts@yahoo.com, or 860-435-0723.

Please see our cancellation policy here:

https://www.artwavesmdi.org/Policies-and-Procedures