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

April 8th – Terrilynn Dubreuil
May 13th – Fred Fielding
June 10th – Regina Burchette
July 8 – Jane Steelman: “How to manage your PSNC google page”

Each meeting will from 10 am – Noon US Eastern Time

See more information about our programs.

Membership Information

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Shows / Workshops

6th Annual PURE COLOR: Online International Juried Exhibition of Pastel Paintings
View the online exhibit.



Two Upcoming PSNC Member Shows at Ambleside Gallery and the Imperial Arts Center
See more details.

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.

Member News, Kim M. Long

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

Celebration of Life Service for Helen Knapp

Member News, Betty Hendrix

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

Arizona Pastel Artists Association’s 2023 Open International Exhibition

“Don Keyfurry” Paint-Along with Rita Kirkman, on Zoom

© 2023 Pastel Society of North Carolina | 909 Fairgreen Road Greensboro, NC 27410