Nancie King Mertz PSA-MP, HFH

Strength Through Shadows

Designing with Light, Value, and Structure in Pastel

September 14 to 16, 2026
9:30 am to 4:30 pm (ET)

Shadows play a vital role in creating drama, structure, and visual impact in pastel painting across a wide range of subject matter, including landscape, architecture, still life, and figurative work. When understood and used intentionally, shadows can strengthen composition, clarify form, and elevate the overall presence of a painting.

In this three-day PSA Studio workshop, students will explore how to harness the expressive power of shadows to push their work to the next level. Through daily instructor demonstrations featuring a variety of subjects with strong shadow patterns, participants will gain insight into value relationships, temperature shifts, and the role shadows play in establishing structure and atmosphere.

Students will spend the remainder of each day painting from their own reference photos captured during early morning or late afternoon, when shadows are most pronounced. Participants are encouraged to bring six to twelve reference images, with the goal of completing multiple paintings during the workshop. Additional reference material will also be available.

This workshop emphasizes thoughtful design, confident decision making, and artistic growth within a supportive learning environment. Students are encouraged to stretch beyond their comfort zone by selecting subject matter that challenges them, using shadow as a unifying element to strengthen composition, deepen visual interest, and create more compelling pastel paintings.

Scholarship Opportunity

Interested in attending the Strength Through Shadows workshop? Applications for the inaugural PSA Educational Scholarship Program are now open. Selected applicants will receive a $300 scholarship that will be applied directly toward workshop tuition.

Application Deadline: August 15, 2026

What You Will Learn

• how to use shadow to strengthen composition and visual structure
• understanding value relationships and contrast through shadow patterns
• using temperature shifts within shadows to create depth and atmosphere
• strategies for selecting and working from strong reference images
• approaches for simplifying complex scenes through shadow design
• greater confidence in making bold and intentional design decisions

Who This Workshop is For

Artists of all experience levels are welcome!

Q & A

What draws you to shadows in your work, and how do they help shape your compositions?

A wide range of values help create strong paintings. Shadows often provide the depth of value, shape, and hue needed to make a composition interesting.

What do you hope students will come away with after taking this workshop? 

My hope is that they’ll become more aware of the importance of strong natural light in designing their work, and let shadows play a vital role in their design.

What challenges do artists often face when working with light and shadow, and how will this workshop help them overcome those challenges?

Often, painters working from photo references, as well as plein air painters, will choose midday to capture their image, when the overhead light tends to flatten structures or landscapes. My goal is to push them into observing morning or evening light when the sun is lower, to create those wonderful shadows. We will work from photo references for this workshop, but I will stress the importance of seeing the colors of light and shadow in nature, as photos rob both of color, turning these important elements into white or black.

What do you most enjoy about teaching workshops and working with students?

I love to share my decades of painting knowledge and to see the lightbulb turn on when students have a breakthrough. My process helps them loosen up and paint more quickly.

Instructor Bio

Nancie King Mertz is a Master Pastelist with the Pastel Society of America and a Hall of Fame Honoree. She is widely recognized for her expressive cityscapes and has received numerous awards in national and international exhibitions. Her work has been featured in major publications, including Pastel Journal, and is held in both private and public collections.

Nancie is a sought-after instructor known for her engaging teaching style and ability to help artists see more clearly and paint with greater confidence. Her workshops emphasize strong design, effective use of value, and the expressive potential of light and shadow.

Supply List

To be provided by the instructor.