Pastel Society of NC

In Memoriam: Betty Hendrix

“Betty Hendrix’s “Portrait of the Artist” was on our website several months ago. I met Betty at Ambleside Gallery last November, and had such lovely conversation with her it inspired me to start a “Portrait of the Artist” series. We are saddened by her death.”
~ Emily Thompson, President PSNC

“Betty was a wonderful artist and teacher as well as a dear friend to me. She had many close friends. I certainly was not the only one. She had been so active and many times spoke of her fortune of having such good health. She was 84, and I’m sure she felt good. Betty and I met through our memberships at the Artist League of the Sandhills. She was the last founding member of that wonderful organization, which was started in 1994. She taught Colored Pencil and Pastel classes. I took any class she taught. She was no doubt the finest instructor there. She took me under her wing and since I have some handicaps, Betty would come get me and we would have lunch together and paint at the League. She loved to teach and I guess you could say she was always teaching me. I hope all of this makes sense as I’m typing this through teary eyes. I feel as though I have lost my sister.”
~ Janet Burdick

“Tiny Summer Sunsets” Paint-Along with Rita Kirkman on Zoom

$25

Explore vibrant color with a batch of mini sunsets! Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 1pm Central Time.

Register here: https://www.ritakirkman.com/workshop/33711/tiny-summer-sunsets-paint-along-on-zoom

Rita will be using pastel, but you can use the medium of your choice. For this paint-along Rita will be pasteling directly on a variety of sanded pastel surfaces/papers, mostly dark or black. This paint-along will primarily focus on vibrant colors and values, and interpreting your photo reference loosely.

When you register Rita will send you the Zoom invitation, reference photos, painting samples and some suggested materials.

The paint-along will start at 1pm Central Time and will last about 2 hours.

(PS: Registration includes a link to the video which will be ready just a few days later! So if you must skip out early, or come in late, no worries!)

Member Spotlight, Janet Burgess

Janet Burgess, Member PSNC

“Creativity takes courage,” said Henri Matisse. What is creativity? An internet search defines the word in many different ways and gives access to much scientific research on the topic. We as artists think of creativity as our domain though if we look at the research it is clear that without the ability to see things differently, find new ways of doing things and make discoveries across the spectrum of thought that humanity would not be where it is today. Ken Hope of The MacArthur Foundation describes it this way, “Creativity is a universal human attribute, present to some extent in everyone and it may be manifest in almost every activity.”

I believe that creativity is the way that humanity expands itself and the world we live in. It is the engine that brings new things and ideas to life. Scientist Charles Limb says that when you’re doing something creative you engage all aspects of your brain. In other words, the brain changes and expands. We as artists are the teachers; teaching those who listen how to find and use the creativity within each of us.

All this time you thought you were just having fun! Turns out we are the engines that run the world! We artists are absolutely vital and yes, it is great fun! Art is just one outlet for creativity though we as artists carry the torch that others look for when searching for their own creativity.

We come together with the Pastel Society of North Carolina as artists. I want you to see that creating a painting and creating a life are the same things; using the same skills. Aren’t we lucky that we already know how to open our brains to new ideas?

I don’t remember when I realized that a creative life helped me handle everyday tasks. It was probably a gradual process of relying on the right brain – my creative side – to solve issues that were bothering me. When that worked one time I did it again and again and again. Then one day I realized that my world was a little different from the world of others I knew. My world was expansive. I said ‘Yes” to the opportunities that came my way. I looked upon each new challenge as an adventure. My world was interesting, even though I still had to deal with all of life’s issues.

For further exploration on this topic:

BIG MAGIC; CREATIVE LIVING BEYOND FEAR by Elizabeth Gilbert
Understanding the Psychology of Creativity
Yale Insights: What is Creativity?

It is the thinking and living part of creativity that expands us into our greatest potential. Making art is a way into this realization.  ~ Janet Burgess

Sign up here for Janet’s e-newsletter.

“Layering the Light” Pastel Workshop, with Rita Kirkman

In this intensive 3-day workshop, you will learn how to create a vibrant sense of glowing light in your pastel paintings. Instruction emphasizes value and temperature as keys to unlocking the light. Learn an underpainting method using pastel primers to “nail the values!” Multiple small works are encouraged for speedy artistic growth. For adventurous beginners all the way to advanced pastelists.

Rita will demo an average of twice daily, and at least three hours each day will be devoted to individual feedback and critiques.

This workshop is not subject specific. Students can work from their own photos, and Rita will bring some of her own to share. Demos will be mostly animals, with one or two landscapes thrown in.

Contact Debbie Minns
info@rockportartcenter.com
361-729-5519
or register here https://www.rockportartcenter.com/classes-workshops-events/rkirkman

Member Spotlight, Betty Hendrix

My Inspiration is Nature
by Betty Hendrix, member PSNC

My inspiration is nature! My father loved music, flowers and birds, and back roads, and he passed that trait on to me. Thus, the majority of my artwork is scenic or close-up of wildlife. I especially am enthralled with birdwatching, and I include or feature birds a lot in my art work.

My sister loaned me a book she had enjoyed a few years ago about an Eskimo family. They had a belief that a wren in your kitchen was a sign of good luck. I have become quite friendly with my local wrens. I eat breakfast on my deck every morning in the warm seasons and talk with the wrens who seem to congregate around my kitchen window, usually nesting in hanging baskets around my porches. One did fly into the house one December evening when I surprised it as I went out to turn on the porch tree lights.

I have been a photographer for years and am thrilled with the new digital equipment which gives me a chance to zoom in and get birds up close and personal – even in flight. I spend many hours watching all kinds of birds in the Carolinas and then spend days or weeks using them in my artworks. I have several sites where I know what to look for when, and I am patient in the search.

My bluebird pastel was from a photo I shot at a local farm producing fresh produce chemical-free. A bunch of our local photographers and artists went there pre-dawn to paint or photograph (to paint later). The farmer had all kinds of feeders and bird houses for the bug-catching crew. I have done many pieces of art from that one morning.

In scenics, I am usually looking for special light or a special memory of a moment. I delight in drawing and painting my special memories! I am not anxious to part with my paintings — and yet I am thrilled when someone likes one enough to purchase it. I have had a major thrill living it in that special moment – and again in all the hours that I worked it to completion as a painting. Let someone else enjoy it also.

Eat and Art Workshops with Emily Thompson

Once a month workshops to improve your art, and your appetite!

EAT ‘n ART With Emily Thompson

You are invited to a workshop with lunch!
$45 includes a 2hr workshop and homemade lunch.

Workshops on Fridays at 10am on these topics:

May 5th Elements of Design – Mexican food – Drawing and Design. The Elements of Design transform the way you see – and your artwork ascends to an intellectual plane of understanding and presentation.

June 2nd Principles of Design – Greek food – Dynamics of Art. Rarely discussed, the Principles of Design infuse your art with energy. Knowing how to employ the Principles of Design takes your art to the “AH!” moment.

July 7th Composition and Values – Middle Eastern food Design in Practice. Composition is imperative to your art – and Values inject the drama. People will respond to your art in ways you hope they would!

August 4th Perspective & Composition – Italian food – What Went Wrong? Perspective gone awry is noticeable. People turn away wondering “what went wrong?” Perspective’s “read” comes naturally to humans; drawing it must be learned.

September 8th Color and Values – Chinese food – Ah! or Blah? Does your art WOW or AWE? Color and Values uplift your art no matter what your style. Planning palette and key signature are paramount to successful art.

We will work in pencil, charcoal, ink, soft and oil pastels, conte crayon or watercolor as appropriate. Bring your supplies or use mine!

Open to eight people for each workshop. RSPV so I can plan supplies and food.

emronroguski@yahoo.com or call 919 663-2867

Member News, Patricia Savage: 30 Year Retrospective

Hi All,
May 5 – June 30, 2023.
Opening Reception: 6-9 PM on Friday, May 5 and 6. I will attend both evenings.

I am thrilled that Ambleside Gallery offered to host a 30 year retrospective of my work from 1991 to present. Mediums that will be displayed include dry-brush watercolor, egg tempera, pastel and oil. The techniques will rank from scientifically correct to impressionistic.

I am rather floating right now! Look forward to seeing you.

PASTELS-OPEN STUDIO Explore and Expand your Pastel Horizons

One-day workshop at The Centerpiece (Bevs Fine Art) in Raleigh.

Explore new and versatile ways to use pastels during this fun, informative day and develop confidence with your skills. Diana Coidan will help you become adventurous and bring your work to a new level.

Open to advanced beginner to intermediate pastelists. For more info please view the website at The Centerpiece to register.

Member News, Kim M. Long

On December 1st “Sun Kissed” won 2nd place in the 2022 GPE Pastel Dust Off Show and November 12th won the “Associated Artist” award of Southport, NC in Oak Island Art Guild.

I created a still life of oranges on a green velvety material draped over a tabletop. This setup was inside a black box with a warm light bulb spotlight inserted into a open on one side. Sun Kissed is a 8.5″ x 10.5″ pastel painting of a orange and orange slices. I used hard pastels, variety of soft pastels, and pastel pencils on a gridded grey pastelmat paper.

“Lazy Bun” Paint-Along, on Zoom, with Rita Kirkman

$25
It’s the Year of the Rabbit! Perfect time for another fuzzy bunny painting! Paint this lazy bunny with us on Saturday, Feb 18, 2023, at 1pm Central Time.

Register here: https://www.ritakirkman.com/workshop/32278/lazy-bun-paint-along-on-zoom

Rita will be using pastel over an acrylic-based underpainting, but you can use the medium of your choice. Plenty of focus will be on value and temperature which is universal to all art mediums.
Register EARLY to have time to prep your drawing. Rita will send you the Zoom invitation, the reference photo, some surface prep info, some tips that include alternative underpainting methods in case you don’t have what she uses, and even a line drawing that you can use to transfer to your board or paper in case you don’t have time to freehand your drawing. No drawing skills required!
The paint-along will start at 1pm Central Time and will last about 2 hours.

(PS: Registration includes a link to the video which will be ready just a few days later! So if you must skip out early, or come in late, no worries!)

Member News, Betty Hendrix

Betty Hendrix will be exhibiting pastel and colored pencil paintings at the Arts Council of Moore County, Campbell House Galleries, 482 E. Connecticut Avenue, Southern Pines, NC.

The opening reception is Friday, November 4, from 6-8 pm.

The galleries are open to the public Monday through Friday from 10-4. The show will continue through December 17.

There is one other painter, a potter, and a jewellery artisan. Betty will have 37 paintings in the show.

“Fun with Feathers!” Paint-Along with Rita Kirkman, on Zoom

Who! Who!… wants to paint this Screech Owl?

$25
Dive in to all these fab feather textures on Saturday, Nov 19, 2022, at 1pm Central Time

For this owl, Rita will be going back to her early years and using mostly hard pastels and pastel pencils on a toned sanded paper, but you can use the medium of your choice. She’s had some attendees enjoy use oil, acrylic, and even watercolor with her paint-alongs. (You can even do her usual warm underpainting if you’re familiar with that!) This paint-along will focus on feather textures in a variety of tones and lines.

Register early to have time to prep your drawing. Rita will send you the Zoom invitation, the reference photo, a suggested materials list, and even a line drawing that you can use to transfer to your board or paper in case you don’t have time to freehand your drawing. No drawing skills required!

The paint-along will start at 1pm Central Time and will last about 2 hours.
(PS: Registration includes a link to the video which will be ready just a few days later! So if you must skip out early, or come in late, no worries!)
Register here! https://www.ritakirkman.com/workshop/31385/fun-with-feathers-paint-along-on-zoom

Upcoming Zoom Presentations for 2023

Programs are on the second Saturday of each month, usually from 10am to noon (US Eastern Time).

For details of upcoming programs visit our programs schedule page.

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Shows / Workshops

7th Annual PURE COLOR: Online International Juried Exhibition of Pastel Paintings 2023

Online Show Opens September 1st
Pure Color 2023 Virtual Reception: video of winner announcements

Light Up Your Still Life with Pan Pastels - Pastel Mini-Workshop

Join award-winning artist, Laurie Basham, in a 3-hour mini-workshop on Saturday, September 9th (1-4pm) where she will share her floral painting process. $50
See more details and sign up on Eventbrite

View all upcoming shows.

Recent News / Announcements

If you are a current PSNC member and want to share your news, fill out the form here.

In Memoriam: Betty Hendrix

“Tiny Summer Sunsets” Paint-Along with Rita Kirkman on Zoom

Member Spotlight, Janet Burgess

“Layering the Light” Pastel Workshop, with Rita Kirkman

Member Spotlight, Betty Hendrix

Member News, Jeri Greenberg

Eat and Art Workshops with Emily Thompson

Member News, Patricia Savage: 30 Year Retrospective

PASTELS-OPEN STUDIO Explore and Expand your Pastel Horizons