Frederick Somers Fine Art

Materials and Supplies

 

Materials and Supplies  Pastel Workshop

  • Pastels soft and hard: (not oil pastels)  If this is your first time using pastels I suggest NuPastel brand, the largest set you can afford as a starter set.  A good art store can then suggest adding other brands such as Rembrandt, Great American, Sennelier, Unison, and Schmienke. Each offers a different range of color and value options and of softness. As you add more colors, your paintings can become richer.  Bring as many as are convenient.
  • Paper:  Bring a selection of colors and values.  Canson Mi-Teintes paper* continues to be a price sensitive option with many hues available.  We will also discuss some of the new developments in surfaces such as UArt, Wallis, Stonehenge, BFK Reeves, Somerset, and La Carte. *Fred often uses Canson #336 (Sand), #429 (Felt Grey), #431 (Steele Grey), and #448 (Ivy)
  • Razor Blades: single edge   available at hardware stores 
  • Kneadable eraser
  • Small bottle of rubbing alcohol
  • Q-tips
  • A ceramic plate or watercolor palette
  • Krylon erasable fixative
  • Notebook or Sketch Book:  8 ½ x 11 “ or 9 x 12” – no smaller but convenient to carry
  • #2 pencils
  • Soft vine charcoal (a small pack)
  • Drafting tape (not masking tape) available at art suppliers 
  • Clear scotch tape or packing tape for erasing pastels 
  • ¼” plywood smooth underlayment or masonite drawing board
  • Easel if you have one, Drawing stools are available
  • Viva paper towels
  • Camera if you want photos of your subject

Paint what you love! Fred Somers

 

 

 

In addition to art supply stores in the Northfield and the Twin Cities, you can also purchase from the following mail-order suppliers on line:  

  • Daniel Smith:  www.danielsmith.com
  • Jerry’s Artarama: www.jerryscatalog.com
  • Art Supply Warehouse: www.aswsale.com
  • Dick Blick:  www.dickblick.com 
  • Great American Art Works: www.greatpastels.com 

 

 

 

For the Joy of It

Great American Art Works boxed pastels

specially chosen by Fred Somers

 

A set of 78 pastels chosen in at least 3 values for each color, I selected this set to allow artists to be able to create a complete painting regardless of the subject or style they choose to paint. Pastels apply with a soft touch and come in a sturdy padded box. "You can open  this set and paint," states another workshop instructor. 

 

Available from Great American Art Works:  [email protected] 

Somers Studio and Gallery: [email protected]

If purchasing for a Fred Somers Workshop, special discount applies