'Finding the Ordinary' A Pastel Workshop with Sue Racanello
Saturday 6th March 2027 9.30am - 4.00pm
Edward River Art Society Sunday School
Discover the beauty in everyday objects and bring them to life with the rich colours and soft textures of pastel in this enjoyable one-day workshop with artist Sue Racanello.
Working directly from a carefully arranged still life featuring familiar household objects, participants will explore the art of observation, learning to see beyond the ordinary and capture the shapes, colours, light and shadows that make a composition come alive.
Throughout the day, Sue will guide participants through the fundamentals of perspective, proportion, composition and tonal values, with a particular focus on understanding how light and shadow create depth, form and atmosphere.
Enjoy experimenting with the versatility of soft pastels, exploring colour, layering and mark-making while developing your own artistic interpretation of the still life.
With an emphasis on learning, creativity and, most importantly, having fun, this workshop offers a relaxed and supportive environment to build confidence and develop your skills.
Suitable for all skill levels, from complete beginners taking their first steps into art to experienced artists looking to refine their observational skills and enjoy a fresh creative challenge.
How to book
Bookings are open now: https://www.trybooking.com/DRAON
Pricing:
$110 per person - Non Members
$80 per person - for ERAS Members
or $105 become a ERAS member (includes workshop ticket)
Please note that this workshop is has a maximum of 12 places, so bookings are essential.
About the workshop
Equipment and Materials Required: students will need to bring their own easels, paper, pastels, table coverings, etc - these items will be listed on the requirement list posted out soon.
Materials Sue will supply the actual still life set ups, 3 different in total for 4 students to be around, can be moved as each group finishes their piece. I will have extra sheets of paper available for sale on the day of the workshop.
About the artist
Sue Raccanello has had the innate gift of drawing what she sees — not just what she knows — since childhood. Encouraged by a patient and supportive grandmother, young Sue could often be found trailing behind her with pencil and paper in hand, asking, "What will I draw now, Nan?" Growing up on a farm provided an endless supply of inspiring subjects and natural beauty to sketch and explore.
Sue began teaching art to children in her home studio in 1990. Over time, her passion evolved, and she began teaching adults — a pivotal moment in her creative journey. Her work began appearing in magazines, and it was during this period that Matisse Derivan invited her to trial their acrylic paint range. This marked the beginning of a long-standing relationship with the brand, where Sue has served as a contributing artist for many years — testing products, sharing feedback, and even having her artwork featured on packaging sold around the world.
Since 1993, Sue has been leading workshops across Australia and New Zealand. While she has explored nearly every artistic medium, she has primarily worked with charcoals, acrylics, and watercolours throughout her career. The arrival of water-based oils — a welcome alternative for someone sensitive to strong perfumes and solvents — was a delightful addition to her practice.
Although Sue purchased soft pastels over 14 years ago, they remained untouched in her studio for more than a decade. Even joining the Victorian Pastel Society 11 years ago wasn’t enough to spark her pastel journey. That changed nearly two years ago when she finally attended a workshop — and from that moment on, she never looked back.
Sue now delights in the immediacy, vibrancy, and tactile joy of soft pastels — referring to them as “gorgeous little sticks of pure joy.” The rich colours and ease of application have made them a staple in her creative life, and her enthusiasm has spread to her students. Her regular classes in Moama are filled with kindred spirits who fondly refer to themselves as “Sue’s Dustmites.”
With decades of experience, an infectious love of art, and a heart for teaching, Sue continues to inspire others to see the world through colour, light, and playful expression.
