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.
Everyday Things
The Pastel Journal
Remembering a Master of Pastel
A LASTING IMPRESSION
Enduring Brilliance: PSA Bestows Honors at 53rd Annual Exhibition • The Pastel Society of America applauds artistic excellence and celebrates its newest Hall of Fame and Friend of Pastel honorees.
A Creative Pause • Life's unexpected twists and turns can upend our usual art routine. Stepping back from our work, especially when accompanied by faltering inspiration, is unnerving, but taking a hiatus can sometimes lead to something new.
Snow Seen • Painting snow scenes that dance with light begins with a nuanced observation of color and value.
THE IMPORTANCE OF COMPOSITION
Drawing in Color • BLENDING AN ARCHITECT'S EYE WITH AN ARTIST'S HEART, SIMON B. HODGES DISTILLS LIGHT, FORM AND HUES INTO SOULFUL SCAPES OF ENGLAND AND BEYOND.
SKETCHES AS ART
A Touch of Magic • WITH A PENCHANT FOR CONVEYING AN EMOTIONAL CONNECTION TO HIS SUBJECTS, DAVE KAPHAMMER DEMONSTRATES THAT STRONG LIGHT AND CAST SHADOWS CAN MAKE THE MOST ORDINARY OF SCENES APPEAR MAGICAL.
A TRACTOR FOR EVERY SEASON • For a long while, I was inspired to paint old tractors in and around my town. They reflect a vanishing way of life, and they're so visually interesting, especially in strong sunlight when they cast unusual, abstract shadow shapes. These paintings feature farm implements in varying conditions and in different seasons of the year, each capturing a distinct mood and moment in rural life.
Making a Mark • Although the argument over whether to refer to pastels as drawings or paintings may never be settled, there's one point upon which all can agree: The pastel universe is a great place to go looking for “strokes of genius.” It's no surprise, therefore, to find the medium well represented among the 100+ finalists in Strokes of Genius 17—an annual competition that celebrates the best work being done in a range of drawing media. Here, we are delighted to share 10 standout pastels that were selected for recognition in this juried contest.
Captured Moments • BITHIA BJURMAN BLENDS TECHNICAL PRECISION WITH PERSONAL MEANING TO SHOW THAT EVEN THE MOST ORDINARY INSTANCES CAN HAVE LASTING SIGNIFICANCE.
MAKING AN IMPRESSION
GETTING A LATE START • WITH THE PRECISION OF A CRAFSTSMAN AND THE CURIOSITY OF A WANDERER, JOHN SHERRY TURNS THE MUNDANE INTO THE MAGNETIC—ONE CAREFULLY LAYERED PASTEL STROKE AT A TIME.
Elevate YOUR ART • THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PASTEL SOCIETIES (IAPS) IS STAGING ITS 16TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION THIS COMING JUNE, AND—IF YOU'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR A FUN WAY TO KICKSTART YOUR PASTEL PRACTICE—THIS IS THE PERFECT PLACE TO LEARN, CREATE AND CONNECT.
Cohesion or Contrast? • Consider how your entries work together to give your competition submissions the winning edge.
Artists Marketplace
A Different Point of View