Fang Sullivan PSA
The Art of Drawing: Foundations for Pastel Work
Skill Level: All Levels
Six Thursdays: June 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2026
6:00 PM to 8:30 PM ET
Hybrid, Live via Zoom or in person at the PSA Classroom, National Arts Club, New York City
Class Overview
Have you always wanted to start pastel painting but did not know where to begin, or have you been drawing and painting but felt unsure how to break through to the next level? This PSA Academy class offers the drawing foundations needed to achieve your artistic goals.
Each class will consist of a presentation on one of six drawing fundamental topics, a short demonstration, guided exercises, and both individual and group critiques. Students will work with charcoal, pencils, and pastels. Optional homework will be assigned for continued practice between sessions. In-person students will also have access to pastel materials and hands-on guidance.
This six-week hybrid course is designed as a foundational step for artists preparing for more advanced PSA offerings, such as Fang’s weekly pastel portrait class. It is for both beginners and experienced artists returning to fundamentals.
What You Will Gain
- A strong foundation in drawing skills applicable to pastel and other mediums
- Improved observation and visual awareness
- A clear understanding of form, value, proportion, and color theory
- Greater control and confidence in drawing practice
- Experience working with pencils, charcoal, and pastels
- Development of a more fluent and expressive visual language
Instructor Bio
Fang Sullivan is an award-winning contemporary figurative artist based in New York City, known for her vibrant, expressive use of color in pastel. Her work is characterized by strong structure and solid form. Trained in the academic tradition from an early age by her artist parents, she later earned a BFA from the School of Visual Arts and continued her studies at the Art Students League of New York. Blending classical Impressionist traditions with a contemporary sensibility, her work seeks to inspire others to notice the quiet beauty of everyday life.
She teaches weekly pastel portrait classes at the Pastel Society of America School and shares her techniques through demonstrations, workshops, and time-lapse videos on Instagram (@fangsullivan). Her work spans portraiture, landscape, and still life.
As an instructor, she is intuitive, supportive, and knowledgeable. Her classes are well structured and dynamic, encouraging individual creative development while emphasizing strong technical foundations.
Course Structure
Over six weekly sessions, students will explore:
- The language of drawing: line, gesture, and expressive use of tools
- The art of seeing: finding likeness through careful observation
- The art of structure: proportion, form, and value relationships
- The beauty of light and shadow: shaping form through tone and shading
- The harmony of drawing: perspective and compositional balance
- Into pastel: foundational techniques and basic color theory
In the first half of each class, a presentation, in class demonstration, and guided exercise will be given. Reference photos will be provided. Subjects will include simple still life setups, traditional bust studies, and basic portrait studies. The second half of the class will focus on refining the drawings through critique sessions.
Critique Component
Students will receive group and individual feedback aimed at strengthening observation, structure, and decision making in their drawings. The critique process is designed to support skill development and build confidence as an artist, and a solid foundation for further painting practice.
Student Experience
Students will learn from clear instructions, demonstrations, guided exercises, and receive critiques in a supportive environment. Each class is designed to build technical skills, strengthen observation, and develop confidence and clarity in drawing practice.
Q & A
Q: Why did you want to create this course for artists starting or returning to drawing fundamentals?
A: I created this course because many of my students and prospective students asked for a drawing fundamentals class before taking my Pastel Portrait or other PSA pastel courses. They wanted to build confidence and strengthen their skills first. I believe strong fundamentals are essential for every artist’s growth. Many artists reach a point where they feel stuck because they never had the opportunity to develop those skills. Since I couldn’t find a drawing fundamentals course designed specifically for pastel artists, I decided to create one that fills that gap and gives students a solid foundation for painting and developing their own artistic voice.
Q: What do you hope students gain from this course?
A: By the end of the course, students will have the confidence to move on to more advanced classes. They will be able to look at any subject, whether a portrait, still life, or landscape, and break it down into simple forms instead of feeling overwhelmed. They’ll strengthen their observation skills, learn to think in three dimensions, and gain practical drawing techniques that can be applied to any medium.
Q: What makes this course unique or especially meaningful to you?
A: There are very few drawing fundamentals courses designed for adults, especially for pastel artists. I created this course to help fill that gap. I began studying drawing with my artist parents at a very young age. At the time, the structured training often felt tedious, but after years of working as a professional artist, I’ve come to appreciate how essential those fundamentals were in shaping my career and helping me develop my own artistic style. Creating this course is my way of giving back to the art community by sharing the foundation that has supported me throughout my artistic journey.
Q: What would you like prospective students to know before enrolling?
A: No drawing experience is required. This course is designed for students of all levels, from absolute beginners to experienced pastel artists who are self taught and want to strengthen their foundation. The course progresses step by step, covering observation, form, composition, value, and shading, while introducing essential pastel techniques. The pace is slower than my weekly portrait class, giving students time to absorb each concept and practice with confidence. Every class includes a presentation with clear, step by step instruction on one of the core topics. Students are encouraged to bring curiosity, a willingness to practice, and an open mind.
Materials and Studio Setup
To be provided by the instructor.
