The art of Portrait in pastel with Cuong Nguyen
Back by popular demand!
Portrait in pastel
- a 5-day master class with Cuong Nguyen -
from September 7th to September 11th, 2026
Atelier Nadaï is delighted to welcome back Cuong Nguyen, internationally renowned painter and pastel artist, for an exceptional master class devoted to pastel portraiture. Based in the United States, Cuong Nguyen is renowned for the finesse of his portraits, their chromatic softness, and their subtle realism. His talent has earned him the title of Master Pastellist from the Pastel Society of the West Coast (PSWC). Over five intensive days, he will reveal his comprehensive, proven, and structured method for creating a pastel portrait from a photograph, using soft pastels and pastel pencils.
“I finally understand color”!
After attending Cuong's master class, many participants
emphasized the impact it had on their perception and use of color in their work.
Techniques of portraits in pastel by Cuong Nguyen
In this master class, color is not approached intuitively or based on feeling, but methodically.
Working with color becomes more thoughtful and controllable; it is no longer imposed but constructed.
What you will learn during this master class*
Pastel portraits are composed of precise lines, accurate drawing, well-defined values, discernible verdaccio, well-structured color, and precisely rendered skin tones. With Cuong's method, color is not a decorative element, but rather a carefully thought-out and strategically applied component. Verdaccio is not an academic step, it is a tool to be relied upon in the subsequent steps. In this master class, you will learn methods and approaches that are free from ready-made recipes and approximate assumptions. It is this high standard that gives Cuong Nguyen's master class its value.
This workshop will guide you through the entire process, from preparation to the finishing touches:
- Introduction to using CarbOthello pastel pencils on sandpaper.
- Understanding color theory through exercises designed by Cuong.
- Understanding how to layer colors on a verdaccio base.
- Correctly transferring an image onto a pastel medium from a reference photo.
- Building a solid “under-drawing” that will serve as a working base.
- Implementing the verdaccio technique on the established drawing.
- Applying color: layering colors according to skin texture and chosen skin tone.
- Finalizing a portrait with accuracy and subtlety.
By the end of the course, each participant will have acquired the skills necessary to produce a successful portrait using the techniques taught.
During this workshop, Cuong will demonstrate his techniques for drawing from photographs using soft pastels and pastel pencils. Students will learn an approach that helps them identify the main shapes first, before adding details towards the end of the course.
The workshop is designed to provide a relaxed yet informative working environment for students of all levels. The core of the lesson will focus on drawing, values, edges, composition, and creating lifelike skin tones. Students will learn to use an approach that helps them identify the main shapes first and then add detail at the end. This is a great opportunity to discover your passion for drawing or take your existing skills to the next level. As this is a small class with individualised instruction, space is limited.
Target audience - Who is this master class for?
Artists, decorative painters, designers, craftspeople, amateurs...
This course is open to anyone with some experience in drawing, however occasional. Beginners are welcome if they are comfortable with observing and working progressively.
Teaching method:
- Daily practical and theoretical demonstrations.
- Immediate hands-on application on drawing paper.
- Creating a portrait using pastels.
- Daily evaluation and assessment of knowledge acquired through the work produced.
Outline of program*
Day 1 – Color method applied to portraiture
Presentation of the method
- Introduction to the use of CarbOthello pastel pencils on sandpaper.
- Color study through exercises designed by Cuong.
Day 2 – Image transfer and starting the underdrawing
Setting up the underdrawing
- Transferring the drawing.
- Working on the underdrawing
- Setting up proportions and volumes
Day 3 – Underdrawing and verdaccio
Applying verdaccio
- Finalizing the underdrawing.
- Applying the verdaccio.
- Working on values and colors.
Day 4: Skin tones
Working on the chosen skin tone.
- Progressive work on color layering.
- Working on color temperature and transitions.
Day 5: Details and finalization
Details and finishing touches.
- Refining transitions.
- Overall harmonization of the portrait and final corrections
*The program excerpt is provided for informational purposes only and is not binding. It may be subject to change or modification if necessary.
Places are limited to 10 students!
Date : September 7th to September 11th, 2026
Duration: 5 days from Monday to Friday: a total of 35 hours
7 hours of class per day from 9:00am-12:00pm and 13:30pm-17:30pm
Instructor: Cuong Nguyen
Location: Atelier Nadaï, 8 rue François Arago, 47000 Agen, France
Tuition: 1200.00 euros net (our courses are exempt of VAT).
Tuition includes
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Cuong's live instructions and daily critic of your work
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free sheets for drawing portrait in pastel (approximately 50cmx65cm)
-
color photos of portrait subject
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coffee, tea and biscuits during breaks
Materials needed for the class
Please bring the following materials to this workshop:
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1 set of CarbOthello - set of 60 colors
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artist masking tape
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large drawing folder (to carry back your work)
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mahlstick
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soft pastel for background
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rags
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kneaded rubber
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6 board clips
To receive the course brochure or if you have any inquiries, please don't hesitate to contact us.