The Art of Pastel with Nicholas DeMarsico

Master pastel through an intensive 5-week program focused on expressive mark-making, color, light, and contemporary figure drawing technique
About this Event

Artroom has become more than a figure drawing session. Over the past year, we’ve seen a growing desire for deeper learning opportunities and a need for high-quality art education in Charlotte. This naturally led to the expansion of Artroom into workshops, masterclasses, and educational programs.

Today, Artroom is dedicated to helping artists develop their skills, gain confidence in their work, and become part of a thriving artistic community.

This August, we are excited to launch The Art of Pastel with Nicholas DeMarsico—a 15-hour masterclass featuring intensive instruction, live demonstrations, and personalized feedback. As part of Artroom's commitment to expanding educational opportunities in Charlotte, the program offers professional art instruction at less than $20 per hour.

Working from a live model, participants will develop a deeper understanding of form, atmosphere, and visual storytelling through observation and guided studio practice.

Rooted in traditional observational drawing, this masterclass encourages artists to move beyond simply recording what they see and toward creating images that capture atmosphere, emotion, and presence.

Throughout the series, Nicholas will demonstrate his approach to building form through dynamic contour, vibrant color relationships, and intentional simplification. Students will explore techniques for creating visual impact while embracing spontaneity, individuality, and the beauty of unfinished marks.

Suitable for beginner and intermediate artists, this workshop is designed for anyone interested in expanding their drawing practice and developing a more expressive approach to the figure.

Through workshops, classes, and special events, we continue to create opportunities for artists to learn, connect, and grow together.

We are excited to keep expanding what Artroom can offer and support the next generation of artists on their creative journey.

Join us this August and take your drawing practice to the next level.

Featured Works
Nick Demarsico

What makes this class special?

• A live model for every session – Get real practice drawing from life, the best way to improve. You will learn to observe and translate form onto paper.
• Live teacher demos – Watch techniques in action before trying them yourself. Every technique is demonstrated live by Nicholas, giving you clear guidance.
• Tailored feedback – Receive personalized guidance throughout the masterclass. Nicholas will help you identify strengths, address challenges, and develop your skills with feedback specific to your work.
• 12 hours of focused instruction – This masterclass includes a total of 12 hours of professional instruction, offering an exceptional amount of knowledge, hands-on practice, and personalized guidance.

Recommended Materials List
Participants are encouraged to bring the following materials. Experienced artists are welcome to work with their preferred brands and tools.

Pastels

• Soft pastels (chalk pastels), 24-color set or larger
• Recommended brands:
• • Prismacolor NuPastel
  • Rembrandt
  • Sennelier

Drawing Materials

• 2–3 sticks of vine charcoal (soft or extra soft)
• Kneaded eraser
• Hard plastic eraser
• Drawing board with clips

Paper

• 6–8 sheets of drawing paper
• Recommended:
• • Hahnemühle Ingres Paper (gray or blue tones), 18¾" × 24¾"
  • Strathmore Toned Gray Drawing Paper, 18" × 24"

Any mid-tone drawing paper is suitable, though Hahnemühle Ingres Paper is preferred.

Optional

• White Conté crayon
• Chamois
• Workable fixative
• Baby wipes

Artists with an established pastel practice are welcome to bring their preferred materials and surfaces.