The Joy of Pastels
by mary telfer fine art
Learn the Basics of Soft Pastels and Create 8 Colorful Projects
Ready to fall in love with soft pastels?— Color, creativity, and confidence—one project at a time.
Inside The Joy of Pastels, you'll receive 9 step-by-step video lessons as I guide you through the basics of soft pastels while we create 8 colorful projects together.
You'll also receive an accompanying guide—available to print or view online—with space for notes, plus helpful tips, techniques, and step-by-step instructions to reinforce each lesson.
Introductory Price: $47
Available through Aug.10 • Price increases to $67 on Aug. 10
Here’s what’s inside…
9 Video Lessons
Explore the joy of soft pastels through 9 step-by-step video lessons as we create a variety of colorful projects—from abstracts to landscapes. Whether you're picking up pastels for the first time or returning to them after a break, I'll guide you through each lesson with clear instruction and plenty of encouragement.
The videos range from approximately 10 to 30+ minutes and are yours to watch anytime after purchase, so you can revisit your favorite lessons whenever you'd like.
An Accompanying Guide to Support Your Learning
Along with the videos, you'll receive a beautifully designed PDF guide that reinforces each lesson with step-by-step notes, helpful tips, and techniques. There's also space to jot down your own notes and observations as you work through the course.
Prefer a printed guide? You can print the PDF yourself or choose to have a professionally printed booklet mailed directly to you.
Perfect for Artists Who...
Herb J.
"What Mary has to offer is very special. It certainly has introduced me to a lot of techniques and concepts in pastel art that I was not aware of.
I believe the continual experience of having her lessons, and then the practice makes the session something to look forward to, especially enjoy the positivity and the encouragement that she gives.
It is not simply a lesson in art, but I believe it’s also one for life."
marina d.
"I wanted to try to paint a pastel using one of Mary's videos. Before I painted along with her pastel 'sheep' video, I didn’t know how an 8-minute video would teach me what I needed to know.
I watched and I kept pausing the video, working for a while, then start the video again.
I’m so happy with how my sheep painting turned out. The video was so helpful!"
dave o.
"For the last few years I've been focusing on creating art. I've been fortunate to study with Mary Telfer; her style combines quiet guidance and critique with gentle humor.
Her pastel classes are the highlight of my week! It works."
Does any of this sound familiar?
You've created in other media, but soft pastels still feel a little intimidating.
It's been a while since you've made art, and you're ready to rediscover your creativity.
You want making art to feel joyful again—not pressured or overwhelming. ❤️
You're looking for a course you can enjoy on your own schedule, with guidance from an experienced artist every step of the way.
Founder
Mary Telfer
Hi, I'm Mary—artist, educator, and founder of The Creative Collective, an online membership designed to help artists stay inspired and keep creating.
With an MFA, more than 20 years of teaching experience, and features on Martha Stewart Radio, the Chicago Tribune, and Home Business Magazine, I've spent decades helping people reconnect with their creativity through classes, challenges, and community.
Soft pastels hold a special place in my heart. The ability to blend directly on the paper creates a sense of freedom and flow that's unlike any other medium I've worked with. I'm passionate about sharing that joy with others, whether you're picking up pastels for the first time or rediscovering them after years away.
I believe art should feel meaningful, freeing, and deeply personal—not intimidating or perfect.
I'm so glad you're here. Welcome!
Did You Know?
Studies continue to support what many artists have long known—making art is good for us.
A recent study found that people who regularly engage with the arts showed signs of slower biological aging, with effects comparable to physical activity.
—CNN Health, May 2026
Create with Soft Pastels.
Color, creativity, and confidence—
one project at a time.
$47
9 Video Lessons • 8 Artistic Projects • Introductory Price Through August 10, 2026
Price increases to $67 on August 10.
$47