Pastel Society of NC

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Karen Cotler

I am a pastel artist living in Wayne, PA. I graduated from Moore College of Art with a BFA degree in advertising design. I worked at a local affiliate station in Philadelphia and later worked at CBS in Washington DC designing on-air graphics, set design, as well as print work. Later, I started a business painting murals for stores and homes until I discovered pastels.

I am an associate member of PSA, a member of PSNC, and have won numerous awards in exhibitions.

Since my background has been in graphics arts, I enjoy painting subjects that are close-up and personal. I’ve been commissioned to paint pet portraits as well as other subjects such as homes and people. My area of interest lately has been water. I love painting the shapes, colors, and movement of water surrounded by objects that cast off light and energy. The mystery of what lies beneath captures my attention but whatever the subject, pastels are so versatile they have become my weapon of choice!

click on the thumbnail pictures below to see the full painting

AM in Manhattan
Lake Fun
Wading Ibis

Upcoming Zoom Presentations for 2023

February 11th – Maryann Mullett
March 11th – Mark Ivan Cole
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

Membership Information

Fill out our online application and join us for an upcoming meeting.

Already a member and have something to share? Fill out our blog item submission form to announce your latest show, class, or a general announcement to the group.

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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.

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

OPEN CALL – Arte Laguna Prize 17

A “Baby Bunny” Paint-Along with Rita Kirkman

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