Feature artists include: Barbara Makanowitzky, Dick McEvoy, Milton Meyer, Sheldon Berkowitz, Mario Robinson and Elizabeth Sandia.

Columns in the August issue include: Something New (Special Report: Surfaces), Art Matters (A new portrait academy and a pastel retrospective you won't want to miss), Pastel Pointers (Letting Value Lead), Artist's Viewpoint (A Question of Perspective), Beyond the Basics (In the Flow) and Professional Practices (Hitting the Art Fair Circuit).

Plus you'll find The Pastel Journal regulars: Letters, Contributors, Q&A, Products Page, 2005 Pastel 100 Competition Rules & Entry Form, Exhibitions, Workshops, Afterword.

FEATURED ARTISTS

WADE INTO WATER
Barbara Makanowitzky, Dick McEvoy and Milton Meyer reveal the secrets of painting stunning water scenes.
By Maureen Bloomfield

SHELDON BERKOWITZ
A lively conversation with a master of unconventional still lifes reveals the beauty in the everyday.
Interview by Loraine Crouch

MARIO ROBINSON
A grid of horizontal and vertical lines, created with tiny pieces of pastel, is the framework for compelling portraits.
As told to Patricia Craft Watson

ELIZABETH SANDIA
Following her heart, this artist crisscrossed the continent until she found the landscape that could be an enduring inspiration.
By Michael Chesley Johnson

FEBRUARY FEATURE STORIES

ART MATTERS
A new portrait academy, Matisse's alternate career plan and a pastel retrospective you won't want to miss.
By Katherine Mesch

PASTEL POINTERS
Make the most of your color choices by letting value lead the way. Plus, a fun color experiment.
By Deborah Christensen Secor

SOMETHING NEW
Try an unfamiliar surface to push your art in a new direction or to find the perfect match for your style.
By Elizabeth Exler

ARTIST'S VIEWPOINT
Recognizing the artist's obligation to society.
By Margot Schulzke

BEYOND THE BASICS
Work from the ground up to paint water that sparkles.
By Paul deMarrais

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES
Art fairs and festivals are great opportunities to sell your work. How to find a fair that's right for you.
By Deborah Christensen Secor