Discover the Artist in You
The Art & Joy of Soft Pastel Painting
Original pastel by Susan Jenkins
Welcome to Monet Café Studio
Your virtual studio is always open.
Find the lessons, guidance, inspiration, and community you need to begin, pursue, or advance your artistic aspirations—from the comfort of home.
Get the Free Color Theory GuideChoose your creative path
There’s a place for you here.
Complimentary Pastel Lessons
Enjoy welcoming, approachable tutorials and discover the expressive possibilities of soft pastel on my Monet Café YouTube channel.
Watch on YouTube →
Join the Family
Become a free Patreon member to stay connected, or choose a paid membership for complete real-time lessons, extra resources, and deeper instruction.
Join free or become a member →
The Magic of Soft Pastels — Complete Beginner Course
Build confidence with soft pastels through four video lessons exploring materials, mark-making, surfaces, and painting beyond the reference. Includes four downloadable companion guides and lifetime access.
$49
The heart behind Monet Café
Hi, I’m Susan.
What began years ago as a simple dream—a welcoming place where artists could gather, learn, paint, and grow together—has become one of the greatest blessings of my creative life. Today, that dream has grown into Monet Café Studio: a virtual home where artists everywhere can find instruction, inspiration, and community. What began as a small gathering place now reaches more than 170,000 YouTube subscribers, approximately 8,000 Patreon subscribers, and a growing family of artists around the world.
As a self-taught artist, I understand both the excitement of discovering what’s possible and the uncertainty that can come with learning on your own. My hope is to make the journey feel approachable, encouraging, and filled with possibility.
You don’t need perfect supplies or years of experience. You simply need a willingness to begin—and a little encouragement along the way.
Read Susan’s story →From Susan’s easel
A world painted in light and color.
A glimpse into my world of soft pastels—paintings in progress, well-loved sticks of color, quiet moments at the easel, and finished pieces inspired by the beauty I see around me. Each one is part of the journey: observing, creating, and capturing a little light and color along the way.
