The Pastel Journal February 2011 Digital Download

Highlights
American Landscapes
Painting Light: A Demo
The First Step to
Better Paintings
Easel Basics: A Guide

Features
The American Landscape
By Anne Hevener
Four pastel artists share their work and insights in a cross-country tour of magical landscapes from the Eastern Shore to the Mountain West.

One Door Opens
By Tamera Lenz Muente
James Kimak's pastel paintings, which are just one of several creative pursuits in his multifaceted art career, possess a character and mood reminiscent of Edward Hopper.

Wild at Heart
By Deborah Secor
By bringing a fresh eye and a shot of playfulness to her work, painter Elizabeth Ganji captures the beauty of her spirited animal subjects.

The Brave Experiment
By Sarah A. Strickley
Bold, expressive color is the common thread to Mira M. White's "no boundaries" approach to art-making, which features a variety of media and an assortment of subjects.

The Light Fantastic: A Demo
By Kim Lordier
Discover the techniques behind Kim Lordier's light-filled landscapes in this step-by-step painting of a grove of eucalyptus trees bathed in afternoon light.

Pastel Immersion
By Meg Bortin
A week of study with a noted artist benefits artists of any skill level. Here, a beginning artist recounts her experience in a workshop with Margaret Dyer.

Columns
Art Matters
By Jessica Canterbury
Must-see shows, must-read books and more.

Professional Practices
By Maggie Price
Volunteers are at the heart of every pastel organization. Read about the many rewards of pitching in.

Studio Smarts
By Deborah Secor
Got easel? If you're in the market, you'll appreciate this handy guide that details your options.

Good Study Habits
By Marla Baggetta
Thumbnail sketches may not be glamorous, but creating a few simple preliminary studies can provide a basic value road map, leading to better paintings and more consistent results.

The Society Page
By Anne Hevener
Landscapes took top prizes at The Pastel Society of America's annual exhibition.