DC Architecture: Oil Pastels 101 w/Meadows and Skies

Capture the beauty of Washington, DC’s iconic architecture in this Oil Pastels 101 class. This beginner-friendly workshop introduces you to essential oil pastel techniques while illustrating well-known DC monuments and buildings. Sketches will be pre-made and provided, so no drawing experience is required, just jump right into coloring and learning.

Explore Oil Pastels: Discover why oil pastels are ideal for all skill levels. They’re simple to use, fun, and perfect for bold architectural artwork.

Learn the Basics: Develop key skills like blending, layering, color mixing, gradients, and stippling to bring architectural scenes to life.

Detailing Techniques: Learn how to refine your work using blending stumps for soft transitions, shadows, and architectural details.

No Sketching Required: Pre-drawn outlines of DC monuments and buildings will be provided, so you can focus on color and technique.

Illustrate DC Architecture: Apply your skills while working on recognizable Washington, DC landmarks and buildings.

Collaborative Environment: Enjoy a warm, supportive atmosphere in small groups, sharing supplies and inspiration.

No previous experience is required, just bring your curiosity and creativity!

This workshop is a great introduction to oil pastels and a fun way to celebrate DC architecture while creating your own artwork to take home.

Ilgi Toprak is a native of Istanbul living in Washington, DC. She is trained as an architect, with intensive art and sketching coursework. She views being creative as more than a pursuit but a way of life. That is why, in 2020, she created a piece of art every day and started the Instagram account Meadows & Skies. She finds joy in translating the everyday beauty of nature using oil pastels. Through her artwork on Meadows & Skies, she focuses on capturing fleeting moments like sunsets and sunrises. One of her sunrise drawings is featured in SHE:DC in 2024.
Ilgi is a design educator with ten years of university-level design teaching experience in Turkey and the Netherlands. She specializes in teaching architectural design studio and basic design courses that involve practical demonstrations of design techniques and concepts, hands-on experience and guidance in studio setting. She holds a Ph.D. in architecture and is currently a researcher in urban studies.

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