Hettie Rowley: The Art of Drawing Animals in Pastel

Duration: 2 days

This workshop focuses on developing confident, structured animal drawings  using soft pastel. Emphasis is placed on understanding form, proportion, and  value before detail, allowing students to create convincing and expressive  animal subjects rather than overly tight or photographic copies. 

The workshop will cover

• Understanding animal structure 

Simplifying the head and body into basic forms to establish proportion,  balance, and believable anatomy. 

• Seeing and organising value 

Identifying light, mid-tones, and darks to create volume and depth  before adding texture. 

• Working from photographic reference 

How to analyse reference images, avoid common traps, and make  informed drawing decisions rather than copying blindly. 

• Fur, hair, and texture 

Techniques for suggesting fur using pastel without overworking,  including direction, layering, and mark variation. 

• Edges and softness 

Knowing when to blend, when to leave marks visible, and how to control  edges for a natural finish. 

• Building a drawing step by step 

Developing the work gradually — from block-in to refinement — with an  emphasis on patience and observation. 

Demonstrations will be provided throughout the workshop, along with  individual guidance and feedback. Students will work at their own pace, with  encouragement to focus on process rather than speed or perfection.

Expected Student Outcomes 

This workshop is suitable for artists of mixed experience levels. Teaching and  demonstrations will be adapted to individual skill levels, with guidance  provided throughout the day. 

By the end of the workshop, participants can expect to: 

• Complete a finished animal portrait in soft pastel that clearly captures  the character and likeness of the chosen subject 

• Have a clearer understanding of animal structure and proportion • Better recognise and organise tonal values 

• Apply practical techniques for suggesting fur and texture • Develop a more structured, step-by-step approach to working in pastel • Gain skills that are transferable to other subjects 

Students will leave with a completed piece and practical techniques they can  continue to build on in their own work.

Materials List

Tutor Information

Hettie Rowley 

Master Pastellist – Pastel Society of Australia 

Hettie Rowley is an award-winning artist and Master Pastellist with the Pastel  Society of Australia, based in New South Wales. She works primarily in soft  pastel and is widely recognised for her strong draftsmanship, sensitive  handling of tone, and ability to capture character and structure in her subjects. 

Hettie’s work focuses on realism with feeling, whether drawing people or  animals. Her approach is grounded in strong drawing fundamentals — understanding form, anatomy, light and value — before developing surface  detail such as fur, hair, and texture. She works primarily from photographic  reference, using soft pastel in a layered, controlled way to achieve depth,  softness, and clarity. 

As a teacher, Hettie is known for her clear, methodical approach and her ability  to break complex subjects into manageable steps. Her workshops emphasise  seeing properly before drawing — analysing structure, simplifying shapes, and  making confident, informed marks rather than rushing detail. Students are  encouraged to work thoughtfully and build their drawings gradually. 

This workshop on drawing animals in pastel draws on Hettie’s long experience  with portrait drawing and her deep understanding of form and observation.  The skills taught are transferable across subjects and are designed to help  participants improve both their technical ability and confidence when working  with pastel.

Email: art@hettierowley.com

Website: https://hettierowley.com.au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hettierowleyart/

Venue Information

- free parking

- wheelchair accessible

- access to kitchen (microwave, fridge, kettle), crockery and cutlery

- shops and restaurants are 5 min walk or BYO lunch

- chairs and tables provided

- Please bring an old towel or sheet to cover table and floor to keep it clean

- BYO table/standing easel

Cancellations and Refunds Policy

1. Introduction

The PSA is committed to a fair and transparent process for you, our members and guests. Please read this policy carefully before you finalise your booking.

2. Order Cancellations

2.1 Customer-Initiated Cancellations

You may cancel your booking by emailing treasurerozpastels@gmail.com. Please do not call us. If you cancel within one week of the event, you are generally not eligible for a full refund, but we may offer a partial credit toward future purchases,

valid for 12 months.

2.2 PSA-Initiated Cancellations

The PSA may cancel an event due to tutor illness, poor weather, or other circumstances beyond our control. The PSA will try to provide alternatives so you still get value for your fees, or we will issue a full refund within 48 hours, or a credit note if you prefer.

3. Refunds

3.1 Eligibility for Refunds

You may be eligible for a refund or credit note under Australian Consumer Law or PSA policy in the following circumstances:

• The event is cancelled. We make every effort to notify you as soon as

• possible.

• No alternative arrangement offered by PSA suits your circumstances.

• Emergency ill health requiring isolation or hospitalisation.

• Unexpected illness or death of a family member.

• Unexpected travel disruptions, such as flight cancellations; in these cases, a

• credit note toward future purchases within 12 months may be offered.

• Your place in the event can be taken by another person, either from a waitlist

• or if you find a substitute yourself.

• Other circumstances as required by law.

Refunds do not cover travel or accommodation costs. Please ensure your bookings are refundable and consider travel insurance.

3.2 Refund Process

We will refund you using the same method you used to pay within 48 hours of cancellation. If you paid by bank transfer, you may need to provide your banking details. For credit card payments made more than 90 days before the event, refunds may be issued by bank transfer.

3.3 Partial Refunds

Partial refunds may be offered at PSA’s discretion. This may take the form of a credit note toward future purchases within 12 months.

4. Change of Mind

We do not provide refunds for change of mind unless Australian Consumer Law requires it. Please check your calendar before booking, as double bookings are your responsibility.

5. Policy Updates

PSA may update this policy from time to time to reflect operational or legal changes. The latest version is always available on our website. This policy is governed by Australian law.