Little Bird, Big Personality: Painting Birds in Pastel with Mike Beeman
Saturday, October 24, 2026 · 9:00 AM–12:00 PM MT
11am ET | 10am CT | 9am MT | 8am PT
Our October Paint-Along features award-winning Wyoming artist Mike Beeman.
Small subjects can have a lot of personality! Join Mike as he demonstrates his approach to creating a lively bird painting in pastel. Beginning with a wet underpainting, Mike will build his painting using soft and hard pastels and pastel pencils while exploring color, value, texture, and expressive mark-making.
Throughout the demonstration, Mike will discuss warm and cool color relationships, building from broad shapes toward finer details, layering pastel, and using sharpened pastel pencils to add character and finishing touches.
Participants will paint from an instructor-provided bird reference while following Mike’s process and adapting his techniques to their own materials. Mike encourages artists to use the supplies they already have rather than purchasing specific brands for the class.
Mixed / all levels welcome. A recording will be provided to registrants following the session.
DEADLINE to sign up is Wednesday, October 21st at 9 p.m. However, to make sure you receive the supply list and reference photo in time, please register early.
Mike Beeman is an award-winning artist from Cheyenne, Wyoming, who works in pastel and oil both in the studio and on location. His varied subjects include landscapes, still lifes, figures, and wildlife. He is a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America, American Impressionist Society, and Pastel Society of Colorado, and a Master Circle artist with the International Association of Pastel Societies.
Mike’s work has appeared in numerous national and international juried exhibitions and has received honors from organizations including the Pastel Society of America, Pastel Society of Colorado, Degas Pastel Society, and Pastel Society of Oregon. His work has also been recognized repeatedly in Pastel Journal’s Pastel 100 competition and featured in publications including Pure Pastel, Pastel Journal, and Pratique des Arts.
Learn more: https://www.mikebeeman.com/