Welcome
I love teaching others to enjoy the beautiful art that can be created with colored pencil. As you see below I teach Studio Classes to a select few who are local currently (post pandemic). I've added ONLINE COACHING see below. Take a look and contact me if your interested in future workshops, classes or coaching.
Online Coaching & Supply Lists
Online Coaching
In response to our recent world health pandemic, I've added the opportunity to work together without travel. Online Zoom classes (some group and some private) or Private FaceTime calls, and emails for personal critiques with demonstrations just for you.
You can email me at gloria@gloriacallahan.com if you're interested and we can work out a private session to see if it's a good fit for you. As I get more who would like a group class I will add it to my offerings.
Please check back for more
info!
Supply List - Basic Colored Pencil - My Favorites
Artist Grade Colored Pencils ( my preference is for wax based CP's) Prismacolor Premier or Caran d'Ache Luminance. Oil based pencils have their place see the More Advanced Supply List for Other suggestions.
Prismacolor Premier: I find the 150 count set to have the most useful colors, is economical and contains the most Lightfast range for the price. The 72 count set is good but if you can afford it get the 150 https://amzn.to/3ZV7zvv
Caran d' Ache Luminance: These are very waxy and are the complete line is lightfast. Since they have added additional colors they have a great range. However these are pricey if you're just starting out. https://amzn.to/3FlF3tE
Derwent Coloursoft Colored Pencils: Are a good option: https://amzn.to/48WrLkB
Electric Pencil Sharpener:
My favorite is the Staples 356294 Classmate 6-Hole https://amzn.to/34PIpm9
Blue Tack Poster putty for lifting color https://amzn.to/3QjzB0w
Vinyl Erasers - either push up type or click and advance (Tombo - has two sizes - great for corrects)https://amzn.to/3M5mmxT
Transfer Paper - Saral mixed colors is my favorite, to help transfer images to your support. https://amzn.to/3g5AAzm
SUPPORTS vary (I've worked on most all of them even Travertine Marble!) although my favorites are:
Ampersand Pastelbord- Sanded surface hardboard. I do all of my own fine art on it!
Paper: Stonehenge https://amzn.to/3QhhXun or https://amzn.to/3cx3ruh &
Fabriano Artistico Hot pressed https://amzn.to/48T4Ir0,
Double Frosted Mylar: Duralar https://amzn.to/3gkDkYC
BLENDING - Trimmed off flat bristle brushes (I trim down these inexpensive bristle brushes, they are stiff and can be found at many big box art supply shops). While I believe in great brushes for painting these can be the cheapest you can find since we trim them before blending. https://amzn.to/35b71G5
Brushes: Scrubbers Creative Mark https://amzn.to/3PZzbuR or Fritches (Hobby Lobby-Masters Touch) has a good assortment of sizes) I tend to use these for later layers on sanded surfaces and for paper, especially portraits!
Paper Stumps: (Not Tortillions)https://amzn.to/48WtLtd
of various sizes for blending after I have blended with a brush.
T - Square Ruler: https://amzn.to/3Fkjsl6
Drafting Brush: https://amzn.to/3ZUMAsN
Artist Tape: I don't like the using Blue painter's tape ad I find it can effect your paintings values and color choices. This is white https://amzn.to/3FiDmwP
Prismacolor Verithin Colored Pencils are helpful for very fine lines and edge definition , only a basic set is needed: https://amzn.to/3tFx8V8
Links: As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase anything through an affiliate link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Fine Art Advanced Supplies For Colored Pencil - Favorites
I love to combine Pan pastels, watercolor pencils and water color with my colored pencils for a mixed media approach, which can speed up the process of a truly saturated colored pencil painting. And of course these are great for journaling and plein air working. I will be adding this list soon, Please check back!
I'm an Amazon Affiliate
Some of the links in my Supply Lists work through my Amazon Affiliate Link. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase anything through an affiliate link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. However your support by using my links help to support my art business.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Are Colored Pencils only good for Photorealism and Fine Detail work?
I'm often asked and while YES it's true most of us Colored Pencil Artists LOVE details, CP can be used for many types of art. In my recreate a master class I've helped my students work in Impressionistic, loose painterly, and more graphic ways.
Why is your favorite surface Ampersand Pastelbord?
Ampersand Pastelbord is a sanded surface which accepts many many layers. As a hardboard it's archival, and needs no glazing or backer board when framed. (If finish sealed and varnished correctly)
Working on hardboard and framing like and oil or acrylic painting has enabled my work to be accepted by galleries who do not prefer works behind glass. Besides it's so much less hassle to frame! And lighter weight too!
Do you still work on paper?
All the time, if you've read my blog I'm an avid sketchbook and travel journaler. While I don't prefer to frame paper paintings because of the need for glass, I think paper surfaces are the best for learning a light touch for beginners, and to keep you drawing where ever you are!
Where can I find more information on how you work?
My Blog tab above in the Menu is an excellent area of information on my colored pencil painting as well as travel journaling, keeping a sketchbook and news of my exploits as a lead head artist.
I have a new YouTube channel where I'm posting video on my work and working as an artist. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqGLcLjiP-_3vPdsuv_EDmQ
Classes are limited currently to small groups in my studio but I also offer an online mentoring and coaching service. Contact me for more information.
I don't see the painting I'm interested in on your Shop page?
You can find My Finished Paintings available for direct sale in the USA in my Shop! page. Some of my art is currently available in select shows or gallery exhibit locations available through the gallery listed. All of my art that has been sold is marked SOLD in the gallery description for each image. Prints are available of most of my Sold work so let's talk. Many prints are available thru Fine Art America. (Click for a direct link to my available prints, or ask for one you may not see.)
What kind of studio do you have?
While I have a dedicated space/studio for my personal work, I teach currently after our downsizing in my home elsewhere. I love my studio, it's a sunroom just off our living area and is the bridge to my art and my second love - My Garden. While it's much smaller now than the 2+ acres we once had my cottage garden is a source for inspiration in my art.
Do you have questions - Contact me and ask I'd love to know what you think and how You create!
I'm often asked WHY - Colored Pencils ?
I'm yes a realisiict/representational painter, and being so my goal with my colored pencil work is to create a painterly look with this dry media. It's clean, doesn't dry too fast or too slow, it's VERY VERY portable, yet gives me the detail I crave. Over my years working in CP I have developed a way to mooovvvve the archival lightfast waxy pigment to blend just like paint. Without the use of toxic solvents! (Which I am allergic to.)
If it can be framed and hung like an oil painting, I would have to ask you WHY NOT?
Classes or Workshops Offered
Beginner's Workshop
Beginner's Workshop
Beginner's Workshop
The class is geared for students who have had experience in basic drawing, although I will review some basic knowledge if needed. If you are an interested group I will travel for a 3-5 day version of this class.
Two Day Workshop in my studio 10 AM - 4 PM
Pack your lunch.
Tuition: $175.00 for the 2 Day Workshop (Receipt of a payment reserves your place.) No refunds on deposit.
Location: My home studio in Powhatan (10 minutes from 288) west on Robious Rd/Huguenot Trail. (I will send directions upon request.)
Limit: 4 students per class
Class will cover basics of colored pencil-stroke, layering, burnishing and blending with unique tools. (All will be demonstrated and then practiced by student on projects worked on paper surfaces.) Students can move to my Progressing Classes for additional study see class schedule for more details.
Detailed Supply list will be sent when deposit is received. I will provide 1 project with surface, several tools, electric pencil sharpeners for use here, and work table seating. My Preference is for Prismacolor brand pencils, but you will have a chance to try many different brands
Progressing Classes
Beginner's Workshop
Beginner's Workshop
MY CONTINUING OR ADVANCING CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS ARE FOR COLORED PENCIL ARTISTS EXPERIENCED IN THE MEDIA OR WHO HAVE TAKEN MY BASICS CLASS. IF YOU HAVE HAD EXPERIENCE ELSEWHERE OR NOT IN MY STYLE, I WOULD BE GLAD TO REVIEW YOUR PREVIOUS WORK FOR PLACEMENT IN THIS CLASS.
Tuition: Monthly commitment for $40 per week (Receipt of monthly payment reserves your place.)
Location: My home studio in Powhatan . (I will send directions upon request.)
Limit: 6 students per class
Students will be encouraged to work on a continuing project in colored pencil of their own choosing. Source reference is the student's. Class assumes you know all the basics of colored pencil: stroke, layering, and burnishing. I teach you techniques for working and blending to obtain a painterly appearance and saturation of color, whether on your surface, paper, sanded board or other. (We work on what you want to learn,) Handouts and instructional packets will be issued as each student attempts a new subject should they desire.
Supply list will be sent when deposit is received. I will provide: electric pencil sharpeners for use here, and table seating. Please bring your own photo reference for your project. Email me for guidance on choosing your reference if desired.
Should you need to miss a class, make ups are scheduled in advance for an alternate class time. (Provided seating is available.)
Workshops & Class Topics
Yearly Student Exhibition
Yearly Student Exhibition
One of the things I enjoy most about Colored Pencil is the variety of surfaces it can be worked on. And many of those surfaces lend to a subject matter that works so well. I classes I teach colored pencil get to work on that variety if they choose. I teach each student how the surfaces changes their application or how it can enhance their technique.
Some of the surfaces I recommend trying are:
Stonehenge Paper
Ampersand Pastelboard (My favorite)
Double Frosted Mylar
Uart Sanded Paper and Board
Sanded primed surfaces
Travertine Stone Tile
Suede Mat Board
I also teach a variety of Subject matter:
Still Life
Portrait & Life Studies
Landscape & Botanicals
Plein Air Painting & Travel Journaling
Wildlife and Pets
Yearly Student Exhibition
Yearly Student Exhibition
Yearly Student Exhibition
Every year I enjoy promoting my students hard work in an exhibition at Crossroads Art Center in Richmond, VA. I turn my exhibition space into their very own show. For some this is the first exhibit they have participated in. I enjoy showing off their hard work.
Last year's opening exhibit was on Jan. 19th 6-9 PM.
I also offer WORKSHOPS OUTSIDE OF MY STUDIO AT OUTSIDE LOCATIONS SO
The Joy of Teaching
In the years that I have been teaching colored pencil, it has been such a pleasure to meet and expose wonderful budding and experienced artists to what can be done with colored pencil. I truly have learned so much from my students and they continue to prompt me to challenge myself as a teacher, as well as an artist.
Each session brings students of many skill levels, or previous media experience. Every student gets individual attention since my class size is small and intimate due to my studio size. Students learn color mixing, values, composition, rendering shape and underpainting techniques in colored pencil as well as enjoy a building friendship with other classmates.
Comments made about my classes and teaching style have been:
Student Comments & Testimonials
Becky Spangler 12/10/13
This year, for the first time, I became interested in painting with colored pencils. With the suggestion from a friend, I signed up to take classes with Gloria Callahan. It was and continues to be a wonderful experience. Gloria is a “hands-on” teacher, giving helpful advice as you work to complete a painting. Her blending techniques and understanding of color help her students produce works of which they can be proud. Whether you have prior experience with colored pencils or are new to this medium, I would recommend her as an
instructor.
Kathy Scott 12/2013
" I am primarily an oil painter who has always been intrigued with colored pencils. When I first saw Gloria's paintings at an art show I knew she was doing something unique and in the painterly style you don't normally associate with pencils. This is my third year of taking Gloria's classes ,she has not only given me a solid foundation but inspires me with her passion and extensive knowledge of the medium. I have gone from a true beginner to having sold 3 colored pencil paintings under the guidance of a great teacher."
Pauline Clay 12/2013
Gloria is not only a gifted and talented artist, she is also a talented, patient teacher. She is very willing to share her knowledge, techniques and tips for creating a painterly look with colored pencils. I feel like I have grown tremendously in my understanding of color, composition and technique in the time I've been working with her. Her classes are the highlight of my week.
B. Austin 05/2012
"I have been taking watercolor classes for 2 years and my skills have improved in colored pencil more in the last 6 weeks of my first class session than in the two years of watercolor."
S. Hoyle 06/2011
"Your style of teaching is so giving, you are very generous!"