What an Unusual time It Is
How quickly things change, and you realize your control over the world around you really is an illusion. By this time everyone’s focus should have been on all things ICAN2020. But it is not to be. We had an exceptional lineup of instructors and sessions all raring to go. Mother Nature, a higher power, or whatever it may be, had other plans though. This pandemic has thrown all of us, and the whole world for a loop. Our carefully laid plans are all for naught now but, as the saying goes, “when life hands you lemons, make lemonade”.
We are still going ahead with our 29th Annual Purely Pastel exhibition, but it will be online on our website. The submission process goes until May 15th so make sure to get your entries in before then. Our Ursula Reese Grand Prize and the usual prizes will be awarded and announced on June 1st when the exhibition goes live on the website.
Life and learning must continue even when the call of Netflix is strong! To be honest, I am having some issues motivating myself right now. But I want to challenge myself and all our members to make the most of this time. Here are some challenges you can try:
Do a 30 day challenge – 1 painting a day for 30 days; Do a series of pastels in a different style or subject matter; Try different pastel papers or make your own surfaces; Try a different medium (so long as you return to pastels!); Write out a game plan of things you want to achieve artistically and how you are going to go about realizing it; Get your camera out and take reference shots (while being safe and practising social distancing); or take this opportunity just to learn as much as you can about this wonderful medium of pastel.
Until next time: Be kind, stay safe, stay healthy, and stay home.
PAC President – Kathy Hildebrandt