Why Soft Pastel Week Works for Beginners and Artists Who Need Their Mojo Back

Discover why Soft Pastel Week is the perfect way to start—or restart—your art journey, no matter your skill level or experience.

Soft Pastel Week is one of the most-loved events I run, and whether you’re brand new to art or a more experienced artist feeling stuck, it has a way of bringing people back to their creativity.

Best of all—it’s free, fun, and designed to help you finish a beautiful piece of art you can feel proud of.

The challenge runs twice a year—in January and July—but no matter when you’re reading this, the lessons behind it are timeless. So let me walk you through what makes this challenge so powerful, and how you can join in—either now or next round!

✨ For Beginners: A Gentle, Guided Way to Start

If you’ve ever felt confused or overwhelmed by soft pastels, you’re not alone. Many people who join Soft Pastel Week are completely new to the medium—or picking up their pencils for the first time in years.

This challenge removes the overwhelm and gives you a step-by-step path to follow, with support along the way.

Why beginners love it:

✅ Line art is provided so you don’t need to know how to draw.
✅ Tutorials are bite-sized and easy to follow—even if you're short on time.
✅ You can go at your own pace and rewatch lessons as needed (especially with the VIP option).
✅ Pastels are forgiving. You can blend, adjust, or start again without ruining your work.
✅ You'll finish a full piece. And that sense of completion builds creative confidence fast.

🔥 For Experienced Artists: Reignite Your Mojo

Even artists who’ve been creating for years can feel stuck, uninspired, or creatively blocked. Soft Pastel Week gives you a reason to show up for your art again—with zero pressure and all the joy.

Why it works for more experienced artists:

🎯 No decision fatigue. The subject, references, and steps are all provided—just show up and draw.
🎯 Structure creates momentum. When you're in a creative slump, having a short-term goal can be just what you need.
🎯 It’s a reset button. Being part of a challenge can rekindle joy and remind you why you love creating in the first place.
🎯 The community lifts you up. Whether you want feedback or just a creative buddy, you’re never doing it alone.

🖌️ What You'll Learn During the Challenge

Each round of Soft Pastel Week includes a fresh subject and full tutorial, broken into easy daily steps. You’ll learn:

How to transfer line art accurately to pastel paper
Techniques for smooth, blended backgrounds
How to block in values and shapes using pastel sticks
Layering methods with pastel pencils for depth and realism
How to draw expressive eyes and realistic fur or feathers
Final touches to bring your piece to life with confidence

By the end, you’ll have a finished pastel drawing—and a clearer understanding of how to approach any future piece.

💰 Is Soft Pastel an Expensive Medium?

Not at all—and that’s part of what makes it ideal for beginners. Here’s why:

You only need a few sticks or pencils to get started
A good piece of paper (like Pastelmat) can be reused
Pastels last for years—one stick can go a long way
You don’t need brushes, solvents, or clean-up like with paint

I keep the supply list minimal, and I provide a colour guide so you can substitute what you already own.

🌱 Starting Art Later in Life?

It’s never too late. I work with so many women in their 50s, 60s, and beyond who are rediscovering (or discovering for the first time) their love of art.
Art brings calm, joy, confidence—and a sense of identity that many of us crave after years of putting others first.

Inside Soft Pastel Week and The Creative Barn, you’ll find a space where age isn’t a barrier—it’s a strength.

❤️ Why the Community Matters So Much

Soft Pastel Week isn’t just about the techniques—it’s about the community. You’ll be welcomed into a private pop-up Facebook group where you can share your progress, ask questions, and cheer each other on.

You can even go in the draw to win 6 months free in The Creative Barn Premium Tier—just by sharing your work!

It’s a safe space full of encouragement, inspiration, and real connection.

🎉 Want to Join the Next Soft Pastel Week?

Soft Pastel Week runs twice a year—in January and July—and each round includes:

A brand-new pastel tutorial
Daily guidance with pre-recorded lessons
Live Q&As with me in the group
A workbook with line art, references, colour guide, and tips
A pop-up Facebook group for encouragement and accountability

If we’re not currently running the challenge:

You can explore The Creative Barn membership for year-round support, tutorials, and connection.

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to start.
Soft Pastel Week gives you everything you need to do just that.