The Pastel Journal Blog - Overheard

Southwest Pastels

Jessica — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:47:56 GMT

The Pastel Society of the Southwest is currently holding its 28th Annual Members Exhibition, juried and judged by Bob Rohm, at the ArtCentre of Plano, in Texas. Best of Show went to Marian Hirsch for Grazing; Kathleen Cook won First Place for Rapunzel; Second Place went to Patricia King for Blue Quilt; and Barbara Strasser took Third Place for Cactus Flower. The show runs until Nov. 14.

Thanks, PSSW, for sharing the good news!

Best of Show: Marian Hirsch, Grazing

First Place: Kathleen Cook, Rapunzel

Second Place: Patricia King, Blue Quilt

Third Place: Barbara Strasser, Cactus Flower

MORE RESOURCES FOR ARTISTS

* Online Seminars for Fine Artists
* Instantly download fine art magazines, books & video workshops
* Sign up for your Artist's Network email newsletter & receive free fine art tips & demos

What's a PastelPerk?

Sarah Strickley — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:04:21 GMT

This week on our Twitter feed (@pasteljournal) we're rolling out a spiffy new PastelPerks program. Here's how it works: We tweet about a PastelPerk, you retweet the news in your Twitter feed, we automatically enter you in a drawing for a free pastel prize. It's quick, it's easy and boy is it fun giving away free stuff! (Hint: If you head over to @pasteljournal now, you might find some interesting tweets regarding our new "Eight Greats" interview series.)

Spooktacular Artwork (Inspired by Poe)

Jessica — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:47:10 GMT

"Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing,
Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before"
—Edgar Allan Poe, "The Raven"

There's really no better time of year to turn to the macabre and mystery of Edgar Allan Poe—and even better, some master art works to go along with it.

You can see first-hand how works like "The Raven" influenced works of art at The Baltimore Museum of Art's special exhibition, Edgar Allan Poe: A Baltimore Icon. The show includes 80 prints, drawings and illustrated books by artists—such as Gauguin, Manet, Matisse, Odilon Redon, René Magritte, Robert Motherwell and others—whose works were inspired by Poe's sinister stories.

Happy Weekend!

Pictured: Édouard Manet, The Raven. 1875. The Baltimore Museum of Art: The George A. Lucas Collection, purchased with funds from the State of Maryland, Laurence and Stella Bendann Fund, and contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations throughout the Baltimore community, BMA 1996.48.5172

MORE RESOURCES FOR ARTISTS

* Online Seminars for Fine Artists
* Instantly download fine art magazines, books & video workshops
* Sign up for your Artist's Network email newsletter & receive free fine art tips & demos

Awesome Opportunity for Oil Pastelists

Sarah Strickley — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:03:24 GMT

For those oil pastelists among us who might be looking for a way to earn recognition (and cash!) for their work, check out the All-Media Online Competition, sponsored by our sister title, The Artist's Magazine. Here are the pertinent specs:

PRIZES:
Grand Prize Award: $500
7 First Place Awards: $100 each
The Grand Prize winner and all 7 First Place Winners will receive complimentary subscriptions to The Artist's Magazine and $100 worth of North Light Books.
Honorable Mentions receive complimentary subscriptions to The Artist's Magazine and $50 worth of North Light Books.
Winners will be featured on The Artist's Magazine website along with a list of Honorable Mentions.
All Winners and Honorable Mentions will receive a certificate suitable for framing.

7 CATEGORIES:
Acrylic, Digital Art, Graphite/Charcoal/Colored Pencil, Mixed Media/Collage, Oil/Oil Pastel, Pastel, Watercolor.

DEADLINE:
All entries must be postmarked no later than November 2, 2009.

Find out how you can enter your work by clicking here.

MORE RESOURCES FOR ARTISTS

* Online Seminars for Fine Artists
* Instantly download fine art magazines, books & video workshops
* Sign up for your Artist's Network email newsletter & receive free fine art tips & demos

For VIPS (Very Important Pastelists)

Anne — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:30:20 GMT

If you're a fan of F+W's fine art magazines and books (and I know, already, you're a fan of The Pastel Journal, of course), you're going to want to hear about a new program that just launched. The Very Important Painter (VIP) program is a new membership program that supplies—for an annual fee—access to free content and gifts, as well as regular savings on all the art-inspiring books, magazines and digital materials you might need to support your passion. Here's how it works:

With a one-year paid membership of $49.99, you get your choice of either a one-year subscription to The Artist's Magazine (a newsstand value of $51.90) or any one pick of a North Light art book (a retail value of $32.99)! You'll also receive three months of unlimited access to all the online workshops at artistsnetwork.tv. Finally, as a VIP member, you'll receive 10% off every purchase you make at www.northlightshop.com. This is the online store where you can find, among other things, The Pastel Journal's back issues, annual issue CDs and digital downloads; 144-page books by pastel artists such as Maggie Price, Margot Schulzke and Bob Rohm; and DVDs with pastel artists Deborah Secor and M. Katherine Hurley.

Click here to see the complete program details.

Art Works Defined

Jessica — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:24:39 GMT

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Chairman Rocco Landesman defined "art works" three ways Wednesday at the National Grantmakers in the Arts conference: It's a noun, verb and declarative sentence.

In an effort to learn more about the ways in which art works around the country, Landesman will begin a six-month national tour next month—and the NEA has launched a blog where you can post your account of how art works for you. Check it out at www.arts.gov/artworks.

MORE RESOURCES FOR ARTISTS

* Online Seminars for Fine Artists
* Instantly download fine art magazines, books & video workshops
* Sign up for your Artist's Network email newsletter & receive free fine art tips & demos

As Seen on TV

Jessica — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:06:34 GMT

Artist newlyweds Justin Gignac and Christine Santora joined forces a couple of years ago on a project, Wants for Sale, wherein they paint items they'd like to own, sell them for the actual price of the objects and then buy the objects (a painting of a gold Nixon watch went for $287.19; Sleep, however, was free).

In 2007 they modeled Needs for Sale, a site that offers paintings of specific items that others need—for example, a painting of a fish to benefit City Harvest, a New York organization that "rescues" excess provisions from the food industry and distributes it to community programs.

Now they're back with a new batch of acrylic-on-canvas works, the "As Seen on TV" series. This series includes the—you guessed it—infomercial-influenced ShamWow, the Chia Pet, Snuggie (pictured below), and so on. The set goes up for sale today at noon (EST); check out the site for details.

MORE RESOURCES FOR ARTISTS

* Online Seminars for Fine Artists
* Instantly download fine art magazines, books & video workshops
* Sign up for your Artist's Network email newsletter & receive free fine art tips & demos

The Obamas Go Art Shopping

Anne — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:29:21 GMT

Here's a fun game. Pretend you get to go shopping (well, borrowing) in the collections of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Gallery of Art and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden; what pieces would you select for your home? President Obama and the First Lady got to do just that, and their 45 choices show an eclectic taste. Coming to the White House are paintings by Josef Albers, Mark Rothko and Jasper Johns; sculptures by Degas; paintings by contemporary African-American artists—William H. Johnson, Glenn Ligon and Alma Thomas—and more. Read more and view a slide show at The New York Times web site.

Pastel Community Loses Another Friend

Anne — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:42:20 GMT

I received more sad news this week. Michigan artist Jerry Power died on Sept. 27, 2009, at his home. He was 64 years old. Power was an award-winning pastel artist, whom we recently featured in the April issue as the winner of the Art Spirit foundation/Dianne B. Bernhard Silver Medal Award of Excellence in the 10th annual Pastel 100 (read more about that here) for his beautiful pastel Springtime (at left; 13x19).

Jerry was a member of a number of art organizations, among them, the Great Lakes Pastel Society; the International Association of Pastel Societies, of which he was a Master Circle member; the Great Lakes Plain Air Painters Association, in which he held a master painter designation; and The Pastel Society of America, signature member. You can read the entire obituary as published in the Traverse City Record Eagle here.

The Pastel Journal staff would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Jerry's family and friends. I know we will miss him as a presence in the art community.

Indulge Your Wild Pastel Side

Jessica — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:31:14 GMT

Snow Angel, Siberian Tiger (pastel, 24x36) by Leslie Delgyer

Our October 2009 issue features wildlife pastels by Deb Gengler-Copple and Leslie Delgyer, both of which are members of the international organization Artists for Conservation—wherein artists from all over the globe promote preservation and protection of the natural world.

Click here to view an online-exclusive gallery of additional wildlife pastels by Gengler-Copple and Delgyer.

MORE RESOURCES FOR ARTISTS

* Online Seminars for Fine Artists
* Instantly download fine art magazines, books & video workshops
* Sign up for your Artist's Network demos

Your Art News Here First

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:59:26 GMT

Check out the latest installment of Artist Network News and find out what's new on the fine art front.

In Memoriam: Flora B. Giffuni (1919-2009)

Anne — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:25:01 GMT

Sadly, I learned on Friday that Flora B. Giffuni, pastel artist, teacher and founder of The Pastel Society of America (PSA), had passed away at the age of 89. The PSA, which held its annual awards ceremony for the 37th Annual "Pastels Only" exhibition yesterday at the National Arts Club in New York City, took the opportunity to pay tribute to Flora. Here are some of the remarks made by PSA President, Rae Smith:

"We certainly would not be gathered together today if it had not been for Flora’s spirit and fortitude in forging ahead to create the Pastel Society of America. Her entire life was dedicated to promoting the pastel medium and pastel artists. Flora’s generosity and the generosity of the Giffuni family over the years funded awards and scholarships for many pastelists and students of this medium.

"She was a little lady but a giant in the world of art. How will we do without her? Flora will never really be gone. Her presence will remain with us in our studios, at our board meetings and in our hearts forever."

The obituary, as it appeared in The New York Times reads: Giffuni -- Flora Baldini. On September 10, 2009. Founder of the Pastel Society of America. Wife of the late Joseph V. Giffuni. Survived by her children JoAnn (Kenneth Wellner), Vincent J. (Barbara) and Cathe Giffuni. Her lifelong passion for painting was an inspiration to many. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 15, 2009, 2-6 and 7-9pm at Frank E. Campbell, 1076 Madison Avenue at 81st St. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Pastel Society of America, 15 Gramercy Park South, New York, NY 10003.

Here at the magazine, we'll be working on a special tribute for an upcoming issue of The Pastel Journal. If you knew Flora personally and would like to share a remembrance, please send us an email at pjedit@fwmedia.com.

[pictured above] Flora B. Giffuni upon receiving the Medal of Honor from the Salmagundi Club last spring.

Sketching Tool

Jessica — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:12:27 GMT

English artist Felicity House, featured in the October 2009 issue, works “across a wide spectrum of subjects—from figures to still life, to interiors and landscapes,” she says, but her pastel painting method is always the same: The artist prefers to paint on location, which requires quick preliminary sketches. For this, her go-to tool is a sharpened Popsicle stick dipped in India ink. Click here to find out why and to see some of House’s sketches of an Indian market (one of them pictured here).

Moving Day(s)

Jessica — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:18:36 GMT

As you’re without a doubt aware, today is the last day to postmark your entries for the 11th annual Pastel 100 Competition (entries must be postmarked on or before Sept. 1, 2009; if entering online, the cut-off time is midnight EST). And how is The Pastel Journal staff celebrating, you might wonder? We’re moving. Just one floor down in our building, but chaos ensues. (We’ll now have all of the company’s art publications in one spot, which will be nice.)

So for the next couple of days we’ll be wading through boxes and bubble wrap, and might even post a few pre- or post-relocation pics.

See you after we wrap it up!

Shipping to Subscribers This Week …

Jessica — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:28:07 GMT

The October issue is on its way out to subscribers this very minute! It’s a fantastic issue, starting with cover artist Marla Baggetta and her 100 variations of the same scene. We also explore natural wonders and the unique link between visual arts and conservation efforts with featured artists Frederick D. Somers, Lois Gold, Felicity House, Deb Gengler-Copple and Leslie Delgyer. The issue also gives you the scoop on the latest buzz-making products and materials, and the secret to dealing with the pastelist’s persistent problem in the studio: dust.

Not a subscriber? Pre-order the issue here.

Today in Art History

Jessica — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:17:38 GMT

On this day in 1911, Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, was stolen from the Louvre in Paris—and remained missing for two years—still ranking as one of the biggest art heists of the 20th century.

Not one to fall under the public radar for long, Madame Lisa has made recent news again, this time attacked with a teacup (but protected by bulletproof glass). She’s not the first work of art to be assaulted. People have damaged famous pieces for the most bizarre reasons, with all sorts of ridiculous objects—the most recent that comes to mind is the Cy Twombly kissing bandit. Read more on crazy art attacks here.

Gauguin in Cleveland

Jessica — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:13:20 GMT

Mark your calendars: The Cleveland Museum of Art presents Paul Gauguin: Paris, 1889 (Oct. 4–Jan. 18), an exhibition examining how the artist developed his signature style that year. These 75 works re-create a turning point in Gauguin’s career: the independent exhibition he organized with his contemporaries on the grounds of the 1889 Exhibition Universelle—what’s now recognized as the first Symbolist exhibition in Paris.

For details, call 877/262-4748 or go to www.clemusart.com.

Paul Gauguin, Breton Eve (Ève Bretonne I) (1889; watercolor and pastel, 13¼ x12¼). The McNay Art Museum, Bequest of Marion Koogler McNay 1950.45. Image courtesy of the Collection of the McNay Art Museum, Bequest of Marion Koogler McNay

Jimmy Wright at The Met

Jessica — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:38:11 GMT

Jimmy Wright has several works in public collections—The Center for Book and Paper Arts, Chicago Columbia College; Yaser Art Center, in Paducah, Ky.; and the St. Paul Art Center, in Minnesota, to name a few—so it’s no surprise that one of his self portraits resides in The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This particular pastel, Portrait of the Artist (pictured), however, is also on display in The Met’s current exhibition, The Lens and the Mirror: Self Portraits from the Collection, 1957-2001. See the exhibition through Nov. 15, 2009, in the Lila Acheson Wallace Wing, Modern and Contemporary Art. Congratulations to the artist!

Jimmy Wright, Portrait of the Artist (2001; pastel on paper, 19 1/4 x 17 3/8). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Purchase, Gertrude Whitney Conner Gift, 2001

Win an Original Pastel Painting

Anne — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:38:08 GMT

How'd you like to own an original pastel painting, November Marsh (at left) by artist Duane Wakeham? Or perhaps a work by other pastel notables like Colleen Howe, Jimmy Wright, Barbara Groff or Gigi Liverant? These fabulous pastelists have each made donations of their work to the Pastel Society of America (PSA) for the organization's annual painting raffle held during the Pastels Only juried show in September. So, if you possess the winning ticket, one of these works could be yours!

Visit the PSA website to see all six paintings to be raffled. For tickets, which cost $5 each or $25 for a book of six, contact the PSA office at (212) 533-6931 or email pastelny@juno.com. Earnings from the PSA's raffle support the Flora B. Giffuni Atelier for Pastels, one of numerous programs the organization sponsors.

Sam Liberman Pastels at the Butler

Jessica — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 19:02:47 GMT

Sam Liberman, who might sound familiar from our eighth annual Pastel 100 competition, is currently enjoying a solo exhibition at The Butler Institute for American Art in Youngstown, Ohio. The artist’s 33 pastels —landscapes, figures and florals—are on display through Aug. 16 in the Giffuni Gallery, a venue devoted to pastels and sponsored by pastelist Flora Giffuni.

“I am honored to have my work shown in this setting, where so many other excellent pastel artists have shown their work over the past years and in this museum which contains so many wonderful pieces of American art,” says Liberman.

Speaking of the Pastel 100 competition, there are only 40 days left to enter. Click here for details.

Pictured: Is It True (24x18) by Sam Liberman

Thanks for Your Pastel Input

Jessica — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:01:12 GMT

Thanks to those of you who took our editorial survey. I’ll be poring over the 1,000-plus submissions all day! We really do take your feedback into our brainstorming meetings, so you can rest assured that you have had a part in shaping the future of your favorite pastel magazine.

Now, where's my coffee?

Pastel News Flash

Anne — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:05:51 GMT

The International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) has just launched a new item for pastel news junkies. A new IAPS e-newsletter will provide notice of upcoming pastel competitions, exhibitions, events, and other news of interest to pastelists. Be the first to know! To sign up, visit the IAPS website and look for the sign-up box. And while you're on the website, check out the member society art showcases, the free article downloads, and more!

The Pastel Journal Reader Survey

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:43:23 GMT

Once every year we offer our readers a chance to tell us what they really think. Which features were your favorites this year? Which could you have done without? What would you love to see in the magazine? If you're already formulating answers to these questions, it might be time for you to join in the fun and take our easy online survey. For those readers who live in the States, you'll be entered to win a free copy of our 2008 CD archive just for completing the survey. (Sorry overseas artists! We'd love to send you a prize but international law forbids it.) Make sure to get your responses in by July 12, 2009. We read all of your comments and take them into account when planning our editorial calendar for the next year. Now's your chance to be heard. Click here to share your thoughts.

Whistler’s Pastels at The Frick Collection

Jessica — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:00:37 GMT

James Abbott McNeill Whistler (1834–1903)

The Cemetery (1879; pastel on brown paper, 8 x 11 7/8 inches)
The Frick Collection, New York
Photo: Michael Bodycomb

Currently on view (through Aug. 23) at The Frick Collection in Manhattan is Portraits, Pastels, Prints: Whistler in the Frick Collection. In addition to The Frick’s assembly of four full-length portraits by James Abbott McNeill Whistler and his 1866 seascape, Symphony in Grey and Green: The Ocean, the exhibition features three pastels and 12 etchings from the artist’s travels to Venice in 1879–80, which propelled an especially prolific period in his career.

July 11 would be the artist’s 175th birthday, by the way. Look for a joint celebration for Edgar Degas and him in the August 2009 issue of The Pastel Journal, which ships to subscribers next Tuesday and hits newsstands July 14.

Top 20th-Century Artists

Jessica — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:33:14 GMT

The votes are in: The Times (UK) and the Saatchi have released their list of the top 200 artists working since 1900, with Picasso—whose Château de Vauvenargues is now open to the public—ranking in at No. 1, and Cézanne, Klimt, Monet and Duchamp rounding out the top five.

Paula Rego, who was featured in the December 2006 issue of The Pastel Journal, landed at No. 142. Who would make your list?

Living Art Project Update

Jessica — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:06:48 GMT

Pastel artist Penny Creasy founded the Living Art Project (featured in the October 2008 issue of the magazine), a series of free art classes offered to cancer survivors at St. Mary’s Regional Cancer Center in Grand Junction, Colo., in 2007 with a $1,000 grant from the Pastel Society of Colorado. Last fall, Creasy had just launched the Living Art Project’s second year; she recently e-mailed with an update:

"We have completed another eight months working on the Living Art
Project. The instructors—all professionals, and not necessarily pastelists—stepped up and gave amazing classes. I would like to recognize them in this report: Bev Lee, Gerri Harris, Dawn Sagar, Deb Bonzek, Chuck Morris and Lorraine Sells.

“Sometimes the numbers of participants didn't reflect the quality of the accomplishments. We decided as a group that three or four needed it as much as 10 or 12. The gravity of the illnesses made us realize that sometimes they just couldn't come. We discovered the value of what we were doing in the individual responses. We heard things like, ‘You changed my life,’ or ‘You have been my inspiration.’ That hour and a half twice a month gave each of those people that amount of time they didn't have to think about cancer. I asked one lady at the beginning class what her expectations were for the class. She said she wanted to ‘learn to draw while this destroys me.’ I told her that wasn't going to happen—and it hasn't. She came in one afternoon and said, ‘This wig is driving me nuts!’ I said, ’So take it off!’ She threw it in a sack and got on with the artwork. (I can't say giving her a voice through her art has healed her, but it sure has given her a reason for being.)

“St. Mary’s feels there is such a value in what we do that they want to continue and I believe they will come forward with some financial help. When people have heard what the project is about, they’ve volunteered to help with instruction or donate supplies. The Board of Directors of the Pastel Society of Colorado has agreed to supply funds for the next session beginning in September.”

What good things like this project are happening in your community?

Pastelist Terri Ford Does Justice to the Dunes

Wed, 20 May 2009 18:07:34 GMT

I received a press release from pastelist Terri Ford today and just couldn't resist posting her gorgeous prize-winning pastel, Morning Fog, on the blog. The painting just won the Best Pastel Award at the Carmel Art Festival Plein Air Event. “It was a foggy morning but that only added to the magical atmosphere of the dunes," she says. "As long as it's not raining I am happy painting out on the dunes.” Those of you who are keeping score will remember Ford from the cover of our December 2006 issue.

Van Gogh's Ear

Wed, 06 May 2009 16:04:07 GMT

A new study suggests that Vincent Van Gogh may have fabricated the famous story of self-mutilation surrounding his severed ear, which he wrapped in a cloth and presented to a prostitue, in order to protect the artist Paul Gauguin, who'd lopped it off with a sword during an argument in front of a brothel. From Telegraph:

German art historians say the true version of events never surfaced as the two men both kept a "pact of silence" – Gauguin to avoid prosecution and Van Gogh in a vain attempt to keep a friend with whom he was hopelessly infatuated. ... Other Van Gogh experts, including those at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, disagree with the authors' claims. However, Nina Zimmer, the curator of a major Van Gogh exhibition in Basel, was less sure: "Perhaps they're right, but all the hypotheses are valid given the lack of material," she told Le Figaro.

In short, anything is possible. Read the whole sordid tale here. And see the ABC news coverage here.

Congratulations to Flora Giffuni

Anne — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:31:10 GMT

This week, Floral Giffuni (pictured at left with Urania Christy Tarbet and myself at the 34th annual "Pastels Only" awards dinner in 2006) will receive the prestigious Salmagundi Medal of Honor in recognition of her tremendous achievements as an artist and arts supporter. As both the founder of the Pastel Society of America (PSA) and the patron of the Flora B. Giffuni Gallery for Pastels at the Butler Institute of American Art, Giffuni has been a tireless champion for pastel. Explaining, in a June 2007 feature in The Pastel Journal, the motivation for creating a national pastel society back in 1972, Giffuni said: "I realized how few people knew or respected pastel. It became my life's mission to do something about correcting the problem."

Claudia Seymour, President of the Salmagundi Club, will award the medal to Giffuni at the Club's President's Dinner on April 23rd. Rae Smith, President of PSA; Jimmy Wright, PSA treasurer; and O. Alden James, president of the National Arts Club, will offer tributes.

Please join me in congratulating Ms. Giffuni on this tremendous honor. It is certain that the current positioning of pastel in today's art world would not look the same had it not been for her efforts. If you would like to write a note of congratulations, you can send it c/o the Pastel Society of America, 15 Gramercy Park South, New York, NY 10003.

Three Faces (pastel, 18x24) by Flora Giffuni

It's a Boy!

Anne — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 18:53:11 GMT

For all of you who've come to recognize our managing editor Jessica—if not directly—than from her regular posts here on the blog, don't be puzzled when you don't see any new posts from her over the next few months. You see, she's going to be a little busy ... being a new mommy! I'm happy to announce that Jessica (and husband Jason) brought a little boy into the world early this morning. He's 7-1/2 lbs., 21 inches and everyone is doing well.

Congratulations, Jessica and Jason!

Creative Spark Winner

Anne — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:12:48 GMT

Congratulations to Dan Michael, the winner of our Creative Spark contest No. 7. The Mechanicsville, Va., artist submitted his painting, Fog After Freezing Rain, in response to Cheri Dunnigan's February 2009 challenge "Grappling With Grays."

Michael explains his approach to gray: "I used muted colors overlayed with purplish-blue grays and blue grays to keep the background and middle ground cooler. These were blended together and feathered with a brush to eliminate hard edges. In the foreground, I used less grays and more complementary colors to let the warm oranges and yellows show through and come forward."

The artist will receive a set of Terry Ludwig pastels (Maggie Price Essential Grays, valued at $90) along with a $50 gift certificate. Many thanks to Terry Ludwig for this generous prize donation!

We had great response to this Creative Spark challenge and received a number of wonderful pastels. Here's a few we'd like to share as honorable mentions: The Matriarch by Ariel Freeman; Leaving by Dawn E. Miller; Morning Light by Kathy Hirsh; Grey Barn, Red Trees by Mike Allen; and Broken by Brittany Lane Allen.

To see the past winners and challenges from all our Creative Spark contests, and the current challenge, visit the Creative Spark hub on our website.

Pastel 100 Competition Winners

Jessica — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 21:34:38 GMT

And the 10th anniversary issue hits just keep coming! You can now get a sneak preview of the top winners in the 10th annual Pastel 100 competition on our website. Click here to learn more about a pastel newcomer, a master of still life, a passionate professor, an animal lover and a demo that evolved into a prizewinning landscape.

Pictured: Fallera in Turquoise (pastel, 20x13) by Carolyn Robles, winner of the Jack Richeson/Unison Pastels Best of Show Award ($5,000).

Anniversary Slide Show

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:48:43 GMT

The pastel party continues! In honor of our 10th anniversary, we've put together a special slide show of highlights from our pages. Enjoy these stunning pastel paintings in a dynamic new format by clicking play below.

Copyright Infringement on Obama Image?

Jessica — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:01:17 GMT

Copyright infringement is always a weighty issue when it comes to art, and the art created during the recent presidential campaign is no exception. The Associated Press is claiming it owns the rights to the photo that artist Shepard Fairey used to create his ubiquitous image of President Barack Obama (Obama Hope) throughout the presidential campaign—and seeks credit and compensation for Fairey’s use of it without permission. Fairey maintains that he did nothing illegal in using someone’s image—a photographer who snapped the image while on assignment for the AP—to create his work.

What do you think: fair use or copyright infringement?

Click here to listen to the story from NPR.

Update (Feb. 9, 2009): Fairey was in the news again Friday night. The artist was arrested for tagging property in Boston with his street art. Click here for details.

Join the Debate: Rock or Rap While You Paint?

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:23:08 GMT

Have you noticed what's going on over at the Pastel Pointer's blog? Our friend Richard McKinley is stirring up quite a debate with his Name Your Tune post. Visitors are encouraged to share their favorite painting songs.

Lately, our household is partial to Andrew Bird's new album Noble Beast. It's complex but it doesn't intrude upon our work. Plus, it's beautiful, rich songwriting.

What's in your playlist?

Andrew Wyeth, 1917-2009

Jessica — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:34:46 GMT

Sad note to end the week: American painter Andrew Wyeth died early today at his home in Philadelphia. He was 91 years old. Read more details from The New York Times and The Washington Post.

Our staff was fortunate enough to catch the exhibition, "Andrew Wyeth: Watercolors and Drawings," at the Cincinnati Art Museum in 2007—with a guided tour by the artist’s granddaughter, Victoria Wyeth, no less—which Anne wrote about in the June 2007 issue of the magazine. When Anne asked a question that Victoria wasn’t sure she could answer, Victoria phoned him using Anne’s mobile! (After which, Anne had to erase the number from her call log in front of Victoria, for security purposes.)

Personally speaking, it was particularly interesting to learn what being a part of the Wyeth legacy entails. “To make the connection that the people sitting across the table and living next door to you are the people in the paintings—once that clicks, it’s the most amazing thing,” said Victoria. “He always says, ‘Vic, I’m painting my life.’ And he is painting his life, but he’s painting my life, too.”

Claude Monet Was Distraught

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:41:44 GMT

From Obit, a side of the impressionist master you may not have read very much about:

"Impressionist Claude Monet was distraught. Despite a few adulatory press notices and the sale of some paintings and works on paper, the 38-year-old artist could not support his small family. Constantly broke, Monet approached collectors as well as friends and colleagues such as Frederic Bazille, Gustave Courbet, and Edouard Manet for loans and handouts. He could hardly afford art supplies. And now his wife, Camille Doncieux, the mother of his two young sons, was on her deathbed. She was 32.

"Though he would live for 47 more years, enjoying love and fame, Monet carried Camille always in his heart. His tender depiction of her was hanging in his bedroom when he died at the age of 86 in 1926. After the oil entered the collection of Michel Monet, the executor of his father’s estate, the work remained unknown for 38 years. Today, it belongs to the Musee d’Orsay in Paris and is often on view."

Click here to read Phyllis Tuchman's full treatment of the enduring love story.

Selling (and Finding) Art on Facebook

Jessica — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:27:14 GMT

ArtNetwork Press invites you to listen (for free, via telephone or online) to one of the keynote speakers of its smARTist Telesummit 2009, “Facebook Expert” Mari Smith, and her presentation, "How to Sell Art on Facebook,” 7-8 p.m. (EST) Monday, Jan. 12. Click here for reservations.

Speaking of Facebook, have you found us there yet? If not, visit our page—search for ArtistsNetwork.com—and “become a fan” in the top right-hand corner of the page. There you’ll find information about our magazine as well as sister publications Watercolor Artist and The Artist’s Magazine.

One Artist's Advice to Another: Make It Happen

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:40:15 GMT

If you want your work to be seen, it's up to you to make it happen--at least that's what Brian Sherwin from MyArtSpace argues in his most recent blog post: "It is my opinion that an artist can’t wait to be discovered. An artist must take the bull by the horns and utilize every opportunity in order to promote his or her artwork--again, he or she must make it happen," he says.

Fair enough, but what steps does today's artist need to take to get the ball rolling? Sherwin offers a number of good tips for artists, including: Answer email that you receive about your art promptly; be smart about how you list your contact info; have a website or online community profile that is devoted to your artwork; and maintain an active blog for your art.

Click here to read the full post.

Children’s Healing Art Project

Jessica — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:54:33 GMT

Those in the Portland, Ore., area still finishing up their holiday shopping need only make one more stop: the Children’s Healing Art Project (CHAP) Holiday Bizarre. What’s CHAP about, you ask? It’s a Portland program consisting of a mobile team of teaching artists who create art with patients and families of patients in local children’s hospitals. CHAP’s Holiday Bizarre is a 27-day nonstop art-making factory at the 937 Condos that comes to a close Dec. 24. You’re invited to come and view works of art by the children CHAP works with in any day from noon to 7 p.m., and make your own gifts, wrapping and ornaments, too. The goal is to raise funds for the CHAP art programs and spread the healing power of art to the public—a gift that truly keeps on giving.

Image Archives at Your Fingertips

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:39:11 GMT

The world's public photography archives are at your fingertips with Flickr's new online project: The Commons. So far, participating organizations include the The Library of Congress, Brooklyn Museum, Smithsonian Institution and the New York Public Library, to name only a few. Visitors are invited to enjoy unprecedented access to publicly-held collections and to add their own contributions by adding tags or leaving comments. Click on one of my favorites from the Brooklyn Museum above to see what others are saying about it. Pretty cool, eh?

NEA: Female Artists Make Less than Male Artists

Jessica — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 20:08:37 GMT

According to the National Endowment for the Arts, female artists earn less than male artists—surprise! According to the recently released study, “Women Artists: 1990-2005,” an increasing number of women are taking on more traditionally male artist occupations, but still earn less than male artists. This study further examined female artist employment trends that were featured in the May 2008 report, “Artists in the Workforce: 1990-2005.”

According to the study, women artists who work full-year, full-time earn 75 cents for every dollar made by men artists. On the whole, women workers earn 77 cents for every dollar earned by men. Other findings: Women make up just less than half of all artists nationwide (46 percent), yet are underrepresented in many artist professions; women have achieved a greater presence in some artist occupations, such as photography; women artists are as likely to be married as female workers in general, but less likely to have children; and female artists cluster in low-population states.

Find the full details at www.nea.gov.

Postcards from the United Society of Pastel Artists

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:02:55 GMT

Click here to download your own copies.

More Must-See Pastels

Jessica — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 21:52:05 GMT

Hammer Galleries in New York present Sheldon Berkowitz: Reflections through January 7. You might be familiar with the artist; his work has appeared twice in The Pastel Journal (most recently, in the August 2005 issue). Berkowitz’s pastels over watercolor on paper are so strikingly realistic, we’d love to be there to see them up close!

Inkwell, Crystal & Pen (2008; pastel over watercolor on paper, 32x40)

Do You Know the Mockingbird?

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:06:48 GMT

It's always nice to have the chance to draw attention to galleries that draw attention to pastel artists: Visit Mockingbird's site to see a gallery of available work by an impressive roster of pastelists, including Lorenzo Chavez, Norma Holmes and Richard McKinley. Holmes' painting October Light (16x12) is pictured below.

Showstopper: Lorenzo Chavez

Anne — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:58:58 GMT

I've learned from pastel artist Lorenzo Chavez, who was last featured in the January / February 2008 issue, and who just served as a juror for our 10th Annual Pastel 100 competition (results coming soon in March/April 2009), that he's having a major one-man show at Pinon Fine Art, a gallery in Littleton, Colo.

The show celebrates the Colorado artist's 20-year long career painting landscapes that capture the beauty of the western states. "My 20-year journey of experiencing and expressing the beauty of the landscape has been a joy," Chavez says. "I have been honored and privileged to share this journey with others."

The show opens Friday, December 5, and runs through January 7, 2009.

Above: The Rocky Mountains (pastel, 18x24) by Lorenzo Chavez

A Nice, Long Odilon Redon Video

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:23:26 GMT

Enjoy!

Pastel Painting in Spain

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:32:50 GMT

If you've ever wondered what pastel artists like yourselves are painting in Spain, take a look at the Spanish Pastel Society's (ASPS) website, by clicking here. Below you'll find just a few highlights from the gallery.

Art in Arizona

Jessica — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 20:22:10 GMT

The Arizona Art Alliance Juried Fine Art, Exhibition, Sale & Expo takes place today through Sunday, featuring all kinds of artsy goodness: free two-hour workshops with saught-after artists such as Leslie B. DeMille, Betsy Dillard Stroud, Grace Haverty, Liz Kenyon and David Lloyd Bradley, to name a few; juried artist demonstrations; a quickdraw-paint-around; plein air paint out; and 8,400 square feet of display space. Stop by Fountain View Village (16455 Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills) if you’re in the area, and check the AAA website for more details.

Show You Care by Sharing

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:23:49 GMT

In a novel approach to sharing her work, Michelle Richeson, (who's stepping down from her position at Jack Richeson & Co. to devote herself more fully to her painting), has launched an effort to raise money for hospitals and bring a little light into the lives of sick children. Recalling the fear she experienced herself as a young child in a hospital, she's offering giclée prints of North Bay Carousel (pictured here behind the artist) for fund-raising purposes. Check out the full details by clicking here.