The Pastel Journal

Pastel Journal covers topics of interest to working pastelists as well as those who work in pastel as an additional medium along with those who are just experimenting with the medium.

The Pastel Journal

Paint for Joy

Pastel Party • Swiss artist Nicholas Party recently transformed The FLAG Art Foundation into a rose-colored stage decked out with four Rococo-inspired murals done in pastel that served as a setting for a selection of pastels from the 18th-century to present day.

A Traditional Theme, An Untraditional Artist • Mary Cassatt’s mothers and children helped spark a pastel renaissance.

The Cross-Training Edge • If you’ve ever learned a second language, you understand how that ability not only adds richness to your life but actually increases your confidence in and mastery of your first language. It’s the same with painting. Here, artist Michael Chesley Johnson elaborates on the benefits of adding a new medium into your painting repertoire, which can bolster your skills—and increase your enjoyment of—your primary medium.

Adding Structure to the Landscape • Anchor an outdoor scene with man-made elements to provide contrast and add interest.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

demonstration Garden Home

A Blooming ART PRACTICE • THE UNDERTONES OF STEPH MOUW’S UNCONVENTIONAL LIGHTING MOVE HER FLORALS BEYOND THE REALM OF “PRETTY” INTO SOMETHING MUCH MORE MYSTERIOUS AND SUBSTANTIAL.

demonstration B’s Red Roses

HUMAN NATURE • TERESA DESEVE IS A PEOPLE PERSON. HER FASCINATION WITH THE HUMAN SPIRIT SHINES THROUGH IN HER PAINTINGS, WHICH EXPLORE MANY FACETS OF PORTRAITURE.

More to Explore

Unscripted Moments • ARTIST JERI GREENBERG FINDS EMOTIONAL TRUTH IN QUIET, EVERYDAY MOMENTS—SCENES THAT BECOME A CATALYST FOR HER FIGURAL PAINTINGS IN PASTEL.

TOOLKIT

CONSIDERING COLOR

demonstration End of Shift

PORTRAIT of the ARTIST’S LIFE • THE STORY BEHIND THE FACE IS WHAT FUELS ARTIST CLAUDIA POST’S LIFELONG COMMITMENT TO CLASSICAL PORTRAITURE.

TOOLKIT

TOUCHED BY THE LIGHT • FOR PLEIN AIR ARTIST TARA WILL, THE INSPIRATION FOR PAINTING IS LESS ABOUT A SPECIFIC SUBJECT AND MORE ABOUT THE IMPACT OF THE LIGHT.

Light Around the Bend

SOUND ADVICE

Flowers and Fish • An unexpected tool brings a layer of motion and energy to pastel work.

demonstration Chaos

Go Your Own Way