Piedmont Pastelists

This fall marks the Tenth Anniversary of the Piedmont Pastelists, who meet the second Monday of every month from 1:00-to 3:00 p.m. in the Crafts Room of the Senior Center. The leader of the group is Ann Hopper.

Attendance is usually 15-20 artists, and newcomers are welcome. Senior Center membership is not required. This summary is written by Dick Carpenter, one of the founders and current Convenor/Time Manager.

Piedmont Pastelists will exhibit during May - June 2012 at The Senior Center lobby gallery.  This is an example of their work by Dick Carpenter.

Noting the lack of a chalk pastel society in Virginia, in August 2001, Dick Carpenter invited Charlottesville regional artists in that media to meet at Michaels Arts and Crafts store at Barracks Road shopping center. Many were members of the Central Virginia Watercolor Guild, which had long admitted pastel as a water compatible “mixed” medium, but not as a feature of the CVWG activities.

The result of the meeting was, quite purposefully, an “un-organization” with NO membership requirements, bylaws, officers, dues, agendas, minutes, quorum, name-tags, committees, etc. Just like-minded people enjoying meeting to exchange ideas and experiences about pastel materials and techniques, constructive criticism, and “show and tell.”

The format is a mutual critique -- an examination, not fault-finding. Suggestions for overcoming problems are a part of critiquing. The choice of subject and style of a painting are not topics of critique.

Some elements of Critique:

1.  Overall Composition - Division of space.

2.  Shapes and values

3.  Form –shadows-placement of each of the elements

4.  Perspective- Illusion of depth

5.  Color harmony

6.  Paths for the viewer’s eye

7.  Center of interest -

8.  Principles of Design. Assuring that there is a “message”.

All attending artists are active producers, serious about their work, open to criticism, willing to present “work-in-progress," and constructive in their comments and suggestions. Although pastels are the featured media, other problem-paintings may be introduced. The total time for a meeting is limited to about 90 minutes after exchanging greetings and news of the Piedmont art world.

The artist describes the work -- origin of the idea, materials, technique, etc. Any self-recognized problems and technique questions are raised.
Criticism focuses on what might have been done differently, or yet, to realize the artist’s intentions. Comments and suggestions should be specific, not vague nor too subjective. Consideration should be given to the experience level and skill of each artist.

Group shows began at La Galeria in March 2002 and have been held every year. Shows are also held at the Northside Library.