Pinoy artist offers online pastel painting classes amid quarantine

Bored during quarantine? This Filipino artist and pastel genius is offering online pastel painting classes for beginners.

Julius Legaspi, founder of Philippine Pastel Artists who also teaches art in Gateway Gallery, has decided to hold online classes since his students wanted to learn but couldn't go out.

He also thought it was a great opportunity for families to bond together amid the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine implemented to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The workshop, titled "Soft Pastel 101," is perfect for individuals with beginner and intermediate skill levels in soft pastel painting.

Aside from having detailed lectures in a downloadable video format which allows students to learn and paint at their own pace and time, Legaspi also offers online consultation and critique for his students.

"Wala naman pong limit ang pwedeng sumali kasi video naman siya, at maganda doon pwede mo siya panoorin sa time na gusto mo, at your own pace, so walang pressure," he shared in an interview on Saturday.

Although the series of classes has a fee, Legaspi admitted that he included majority of his students for free.

"Hindi naman lahat paying sa mga nasa online workshop ko," the artist shared. "Marami rin doon na sinali ko for free kasi hindi able, pero gustong gusto matuto."

Recently, Legaspi opened four slots in his workshop, with the cost of P3,000 each, as a way to raise funds for the Filipino workers displaced by the ongoing health crisis. He shared that all of the proceeds will go to the GMA Kapuso Foundation's "Buong Puso Para sa Pilipino" project.

"I'm happy nga na may nag-avail ng four slots na 'yun at diretso nila dineposit sa account ng GMA. Total of 12000 rin. Though maliit lang na halaga, pero buong puso naman," he shared.

As of the moment, Legaspi revealed that he is working on another set of videos for beginners, from basic drawing to basic coloring, all for free.

Legaspi said, "Para sa mga family na walang magawa na gustong matuto, family activity kung baga."

—Kaela Malig/JCB, GMA News