Breaking out my Pastels! (4.26.18)

Breaking out my Pastels! (For new CJAS Charlotte store Grand Opening:)

One question I still get asked a lot is "Are you still pastel painting?" 

For a long time, the answer has been no, not really. Learning a completely new craft - while being a full-time artist - is already tricky. Finally, I have a good flow between business end and my glass studio. (Always more to learn... and I do have some cool opportunities in the works. More on that another time!)

However, last year, I pitched two public art ideas for Historic South End Creative Lab program. (The Urban Eddy is the big one. Other one is a small fun painting design that will go in South End, near Rail Trail. We're currently still working on approval. More details soon.) BUT, this second project brought my beloved pastels out of retirement!

A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to demonstrate soft pastel techniques for the NEW Cheap Joe's Art Stuff Charlotte store. (Now in South End on Remount Road:)

SO, I'll be there this Saturday, April 28 from 10am to 4pm sharing some favorite things about pastels. (CJAS events are a fun time. Awhile back, I did some work with them... sharing my favorite, Unison Pastels, with other artists. They even did a fun DVD with me, Painting Water with Pastels. See a YouTube link to one of the video shorts HERE.)

Event is FREE and open to the public. You know parking in South End. Might be good to carpool or ride light rail... maybe a bike?! 

See you Saturday. (Now, back to the studio:)

One of last favorite pastel paintings I created. (I painted many nude women - even a few men - over the years:) It's in the collection of one of my BIG dream kiln investors. This one was less about the water, than it was about the beautiful figure!!

Want to see more of my older pastel paintings or women in water? Search Carmella Jarvi Images or check this link for some of my favorites.