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.

Inspiration Plus

The Pastel Journal

Spread Your Wings • Many artists believe that the market for their work is limited to their hometown, and—if that regional market hasn’t been receptive—they conclude that there’s no market anywhere for their work. Caroll Michels offers some tips for “thinking big” to expand the possibilities in your gallery representation.

23rd Annual PASTEL 100

THAT INDESCRIBABLE SOMETHING • In addition to earning high marks in the technical aspects of painting, a Pastel 100 prizewinner also needs to possess that “indescribable something” that catches the eye and holds it. Here, our five distinguished category jurors share insights on the special magic they’re seeking.

Water Lilies & Sky • Louisiana artist Marcia Holmes finds new poetry in a classic subject.

Finding the Poetry • Barbara Jaenicke’s award-winning painting started with a “Big Idea” that guided her decisions as she developed her expressive interpretation of the subject.

Peaceful, Easy Feeling • In her prizewinning pastel, Robin Frisella created a composition that offers visual delight and a soothing sense of serenity.

Seeing the Light • Melissa Breault applied classical painting principals to her metaphorical portrait of a sun-drenched subject, resulting in an emotionally rich work.

A Portrait of Sincerity • Jody Martin earned a top prize for creating a heartwarming portrait that benefits from careful attention to the little things.

LANDSCAPE & INTERIOR

PORTRAIT & FIGURE

ABSTRACT & NON-OBJECTIVE

STILL LIFE & FLORAL

ANIMAL & WILDLIFE

A Personal Impressionism • Life on his Connecticut farm provided Julian Alden Weir with an abundance of bucolic subject matter for his evolving painting style.

Return to the Scene