Piedmont Pastelists Art Reception

Thursday, July 18, 2024 | 4:30pm-6:30pm

Details:

Join the artists of the Piedmont Pastelists to learn more about their vibrant community of visual artists while indulging in refreshments and good conversation.

The Piedmont Pastelists organization was formed in 2001 as a way to expand interest in the medium of soft pastel, while sharing artwork, ideas, tips, and opportunities among the membership. Members meet for two hours on the second Monday of each month at The Center at Belvedere. Artists share their work through a peer critique process, describing their work process and soliciting ideas for improvement.  Members discuss surfaces, supplies, techniques, framing, composition, and preservation. Varying in skill levels and knowledge, most members exhibit locally, regionally, and nationally. Many members are also active in regional and national pastel organizations including The MidAtlantic Pastel Society, The Maryland Pastel Society, The Appalachian Pastel Society, The International Association of Pastel Societies, and The Pastel Society of America as well as various organizations focusing on other mediums.

Soft pastels are a unique and misunderstood art medium. The term 'pastel' comes from a French word, 'pastiche,' which means 'the pure powdered pigment.' Comprised of a higher concentration of pure pigment than any other art medium, pastels have no liquid binder and are thus not prone to yellowing, cracking, or blistering with time. Soft pastels are light-fast when kept out of direct UV light. When properly framed and hung, they will last for many hundreds of years. Pastel paintings from the 16th century exist today, fresh and vivid. Famous artists known to have used pastels include Delacroix, Degas, Chardin, La Tour, Copley, Watteau, Manet, Renoir, Millet, Toulouse-Lautrec, Vullard, Glackens, Bonnard, Whistler, Hassam, and William Merritt Chase. 

Open to all.

Location:
The Center