2025 14th Annual Online Exhibition

It has been a pleasure to review the works submitted to this year’s Pastel Artists Canada Elected Members Show. The overall quality was very strong and showed both the artists’ experience and the expressive possibilities of pastel. What stood out most was the variety of styles—from detailed realism to looser, impressionistic work—each showing a unique artistic voice.

Participating artists demonstrated a strong sense of colour and value. Many landscapes captured light and atmosphere beautifully. Portraits and figures were also impressive, with confident strokes and a thoughtful expression of emotion.

I was dazzled by the high level of technical skill. Whether using soft layers or bold, energetic marks, artists showed a solid command of the medium. Some works also pushed creative boundaries, exploring underpaintings, different viewpoints, or more abstract interpretations.

Choosing which pieces to recognize was very difficult, as so many artworks deserved praise. I want to express my deep respect for all who took part. Your dedication, skill, and creativity make this exhibition a wonderful celebration of pastel and a strong reflection of this talented artistic community.

I was honoured to serve as a juror for this year’s Members Only Online Exhibition. The submissions demonstrated a wide range of artistic perspectives and creative approaches to the application of soft pastel. It was clear that each artist brought care and inspiration to their work, making it a joy to view all of them.

Each painting was evaluated according to composition, visual impact, and technical skill. I was particularly drawn to works that used a cohesive colour palette and demonstrated strong technical proficiency. The winning entries share several common strengths, such as evoking emotion through bold contrasts and creating movement and visual interest through thoughtful use of pattern and mark-making.

Selecting the winning entries was far from easy, as there were so many beautiful pieces to choose from. It takes courage to put your work out there, and I’m proud of everyone who did. I hope this experience encourages you to keep creating and sharing your passion for pastel with the world.

The upcoming PAC online show promises to leave a strong and positive impression on visitors. The artwork presented in the exhibition demonstrates a high level of skill and creativity, showcasing an impressive variety of styles and subjects that will enrich the viewing experience. The range of themes is broad, including rural and urban landscapes, portraits of people and animals, still life, and abstract interpretations, reflecting the diverse interests and talents of the artists involved.

The award-winning paintings, stand out for their rich storytelling, excellent craftsmanship, thoughtful composition, and harmonious use of colour. Each of these works shows careful consideration of every element, resulting in compelling and visually balanced pieces.

This exhibition serves as a wonderful representation of pastel art across Canada, highlighting the professionalism and dedication of its members. I hope visitors will leave the show with an appreciation of the high quality and diverse talents found within Pastel Artists Canada.

While the show is strong in many areas, there is always room for artistic growth, and I encourage participants to continue developing their unique voices and exploring new approaches within this versatile medium. Overall, this exhibition stands as a testament to the vitality of pastel and will inspire both artists and art lovers alike to continue exploring the depth and possibilities of this expressive medium.