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For More Information of the 2017 Launch:

Are You Ready To Start Learning?

Have you convinced yourself; ‘I’m not good enough to be an artist?

The Academy is designed around the sound principals of understanding the basics, and all too often when learning as a beginner without any guidance, the basics get ignored. Looking at some simple basic exercises, mainly in drawing, you might well progress in progress in techniques you never knew you could do! That is a very common scenario.

Usually the biggest obstacle new artists face is themselves. But self-belief and confidence soon comes with your first successes! Don’t blame your lack of knowledge for lack of talent!

Am I Too Old to Learn?

Art is ageless!

For many years most of the people in art classes have been retired, or returning to an old passion that they had to stop at some point in their lives, like when raising a family. But as they have learnt – their work looks just as fabulous in a frame at their first exhibition as it would have done when they were 20!

I have taught artists to National exhibition level in their retirement.

Fed up of being stuck in a creative block?

Creative ‘blocks’ happen. The key is to work with them. Pastel is the medium many frustrated artists turn to! Why? Because it will not hinder your progress with technique issues before you have even got started.

When you see how your work progresses leaps and bounds, under my guidance and with the help and support of the Academy community, your creative blocks will get fewer and farther in between. You will even learn something from them.

Develop Those Rusty Drawing Skills, and build your confidence!

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Get the Key to Better Pastel Techniques, and bust through those Creative Blocks!

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Work Towards Your Own Art Career! Would you be a pastel teacher?

Have you got a growing pile of unused Art Materials in your cupboards?

Well we have all been there! A growing pile of drawing and painting materials; a constant reminder of our once good intentions, and the belief that one day ‘I really must get down to going to some classes!’ In truth though, pastel classes are not easy to find.

Well now is your chance to review your stock. Get your motivation back and develop those artistic instincts you know you have! The Academy will help you organize what you need and what you don’t need.

Look forward to Improvements, progress and Inspirational breakthroughs. Even new directions!

What is The Academy and What Can It Offer You?

Tuition, support, and advise and mentoring from Top International Pastel Specialist Heather Harman; member of 7 International Pastel societies, author and pastel historian with 40 years experience in portrait and landscape, and 25 years experience tutoring pastel courses in UK colleges and in Europe.

A learning system based on your needs, and Heather’s experience teaching artists from beginners level to advanced.

Your future artistic learning path could not be in better qualified or reputable hands.

Click here for more on Heather

How does The Academy work?

Simply put – you will be watching over the shoulder as Heather completes various lessons/courses on a whole range of subjects,and explains her decisions and choices along the way. You will be working on personal projects or withing a program with feedback.

A deep Dive into Pastel Landscape, Portraits, Animal Portraits Still Life and a much needed Drawing and Sketching program.

Live Training

Live themed training for both beginners and improvers, in all subjects.

Projects set in advance and feedback given on the following live training.

Academy Challenges and Competitions

With a variety of themes and prizes, for all learning levels. Always fun! A great and stimulating way to learn and improve your techniques, within a friendly and supportive environment.

Blog Interviews with Other Top Artists, Manufacturers and Suppliers.

Special interviews and Q & A’s with the people who make and supply our favourite medium! I expect you will come up with some really good questions for them!

This is a truly unique opportunity.

Unique because there is no comparison to be made out there.

Unique indeed for a top Internationally acclaimed pastel specialist who exhibits on the world stage – to listen to the plight of newbie pastel artists left pretty much high and dry without the tuition opportunities that there used to be – in the UK at least.

Unique in that places at top professional workshops are increasingly limited and not affordable to so many; artists who are homebound; financially or time restricted.

Unique in that real time pastel tuition by a noted specialist is not readily available.

Exactly What Subjects Can I Learn From the Pastel Academy?

The Basics of Drawing and Sketching. The basics of Painting: Composition, Tonal Values, Colour Theory, Landscape in Traditional and Impressionist Styles. Portrait Drawing and Painting, Animal Drawing and Painting. Still Life. Plein Air painting. The Trois Crayon (Sanguine) technique. Blueprint of how to become a teacher in pastel.

So Where Do I Start?

When you enrol – you will find an Academy Roadmap – which is there to guide you through your options in your level. you might be guided by me or prioritize one subject over another – but you will probably want to fit all the training in at some point.

For example: for Beginners:

The Academy has its own ‘Foundation course’. This is designed to cover all bases in the basics so that you are prepared to advance and grow as an artist; at your own speed. The basics really are the foundation to good work. The Academy’s tuition runs on the basis of a ‘Theme’ for a set amount of time – which might be for instance Colour Theory, and all work done in that period will concentrate and explore Colour Theory. The same for Tonal Values and Composition. We will explore the basics in both landscape and portrait.

For more advanced pastelists:

Your choices might be based on what is of interest to you at the time. or you can join a themed program with Live Training/feedback. On the other hand you might choose to backtrack and fill in some of the gaps in your drawing or pastel knowledge, You might even decide to plunge into a new subject area.

You might even be ready to embark on a teaching career as a pastel tutor? Then in the Academy special training is there just for you.

Need More Convincing?

Frequently Asked Questions

I am not good at Motivating myself - will the Academy help me with that?

No. Your membership entitles you to access all member area for the duration of your membership. If you cancel or do not renew your membership, then you will no longer be able to access the membership content.

I am a Beginner. Will I be out of my depth int he Academy?

Absolutely not! The Academy caters for ALL levels of experience and welcomes artists who are both new to pastel and/or new to art. You will learn everything you need to know to make a great start, and continue to develop and learn. The learning process is different for everyone and you will need – as all artists do – to be patient with yourself and not expect everything to happen all at once.

You will also be in a very supportive environment – away from the public eye – but amongst like minded creative learners like you.

What if I don’t have Enough Time?

So many people are having to fit in their creative passions into a schedule, especially if learning means travelling to classes outside the home. When learning online you can set you own schedule, and fit in what you can. The real key to growth and learning of course is to do something every day; sketching, drawing, painting whatever.

Do I have to keep up with other people?

You cant get ‘behind’ in the Academy. New training will be added regularly but the old training will remain in in the Academy for you to return to whenever you want to. So you can work to a schedule or completely at your own pace.

Can I upgrade after signing up?

Yes, you can upgrade at any time after signing up. When you log in, you will see a notice regarding your current package and instructions on how to upgrade.

Will you be adding New Content?

Yes on a regular basis – new content will be added as required and both in pre recorded video format in the courses, and also in live training. The Academy Resource Library will also be updated as often as necessary.

Is Content Immediately available?

Yes all the Important content – especially relating to Core training is available when you join. The only content which wont be coverd in 2016 is the upper Platinum Membership level which opens in 2017.

How do I pay my subscriptions?

You can pay using most credit cards with Stripe payment processor. Or you can pay by Paypal.

Your payments and your card details are completely safe. The Academy website is SSL certified and we do not store your card details – ( Paypal and Stripe do that).

You can also pay in most currencies – dependant on where you live.

Can I access Member content once I cancel my membership?

What is your refund policy?

We offer no-questions-asked refunds to all customers within 30 days of your purchase. If you are not satisfied with our product, then simply send us an email and we will refund your purchase right away. The goal has always been to create a happy, thriving community. If you are not thrilled with the Academy or are not enjoying the experience, then we have no interest in forcing you to stay an unhappy member.

If I have any other questions what do I do?

Simply email me at heatherharmanartist@outlook.com if you have any other questions or post your question in the Contact page.

For more information join the Academy Mailing List!

What If I don’t think the Academy is for me?

There is a no quibble 30 day money back guarantee. No questions asked. We want you to be happy with your membership.

BUT – you can also put your membership on hold for a while; for one of those times when life gets in the way – and you to stop your studies for a while. You can then resume at your own convenience.

Don't Be Shy

If you have any more questions, feel free to drop me a line anytime.

Get In Touch