Pastel Society of NC

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Joel Sobelson

Joel Sobelson went to college to learn to be a dentist. But since he failed organic chemistry class, three times, he found himself studying art and design at Pratt Institute. When he created a portfolio of ads, he was immediately hired at one of the top ad firms in the business. And so began his 35 year, award winning career. A career not with his hands in people’s mouths but messing with people’s heads.

Upon retirement, he realized sitting on the couch, eating Oreo’s while watching old movies not really working for him. His boredom and love of art encouraged him to enroll at Silvermine Art School in Connecticut where he was able to shake off the rust and get back to drawing.

From the start he was recognized as an emerging new talent. His work has been featured by the Pastel Society of Connecticut, the American Artists Professional League, the Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists and in many other prestigious shows in New York, Boston, DC and Connecticut.

His approach to his work is to find a good story and tell it with all the emotional authenticity, style and heart he can bring to the easel.

He recently moved to Chapel Hill where he can be found drawing in his studio, playing tennis, and lying on the couch eating Oreos while watching old movies.

His work can be viewed at http://jsobelson.wixsite.com/joel-sobelson

News items for Joel Sobelson

click on the thumbnail pictures below to see the full painting

Vanishing Species
Old Friends
Listening to Billie Holiday

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

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