IAPS Impressions

IAPS Exhibition 2019

IAPS in Albuquerque

Impressions of IAPSby LaVone Sterling, PSWC-DP. PSA :

When my three daughters and I signed up for a pastel workshop in 2010, I had no idea how my life as an artist was about to change. I fell head over heels in love with pastel and began searching the web for clubs to join and places to learn. In my quest, I found that the nearest pastel club was the Pastel Society of the West Coast. I called the membership chair, Willo Balfrey. We talked for at least an hour. She was so informative and so kind. She began sharing the names of pastel teachers and upcoming events, urging me that I must take Richard McKinley’s workshop. She told me that there was also a pastel convention called IAPS, where I could learn from dozens of talented instructors, but it was biannual and I had just missed it. So there wouldn’t be another for a couple years. Time passed, and I forgot about IAPS until I was doing a demo and teaching a workshop sponsored by Sierra Pastel Society. During the break, I was approached by a sweet lady, named Urania Tarbet, who purchased my demo piece. She asked if I had attended the IAPS Convention that summer. I told her, no that I had not. With much enthusiasm and in detail, she began telling me how much fun it was and that I should come next time, which would be the summer of 2017. My experience with conventions in the past was that

there were lengthy lectures that put me to sleep and lots of people who basically kept to themselves. How could a pastel convention possibly be as fabulous as Urania claimed? Well I was about to find out. I decided to go to the 2019 IAPS Convention.

My Impressions

This is an account of my experience at the IAPS Convention: I registered a little late. Next time I will know better, because some of the classes I wanted to take were full. However, there were so many talented instructors I was still grateful for the ones I got. I had a plan for the whole week. I wanted to work my scheduled around the demos, the workshops and the candy store and still have

At the Candy Store time to plein air paint with friends. I didn’t want to miss a single thing, not even the experience of the beautiful terrain between California and New Mexico. So, I decided to drive the 885 miles to Albuquerque, stopping along the way to take photos and to soak up the breathtaking landscape. When we arrived at the Albuquerque Hotel I was not disappointed. We settled into our room and the following morning I delivered my painting to the gallery where IAPS volunteers were receiving accepted pieces for the PastelWorld Exhibition. The convention had not yet officially started,

10 www.pswc.ws

IAPS Exhibition 2019

so my husband and I went sight seeing, visiting old town and Santa Fe. My anticipation was building, I could hardly wait for the convention to begin and to watch the demos and workshops and critiques , oh my. I felt I had discovered the wonderful world of Oz. But first I wanted to grab my pastels and venture out to paint and so I did.

It got windy that afternoon, and I had to stop painting or be blown away. So, when I returned to the hotel, my husband and I went into the little café on the first floor and an amazing thing happened. The room was filled with artists, some I knew and some I felt I knew. They were speaking art, my language. Such a sense of community and like-mindedness. It was glorious. Of course, the Banquet, the Fiesta Pastel World and even the elevator became a meeting place. Some call this networking, a buzz word you hear often. I think I may finally have a clue as to what it means. As an artist you work alone so much of the time you need the camaraderie of other people who can talk art. Now here are all these wonderful artists under one roof attending the IAPS Convention giving you the opportunity to get out of your creative cave and spend time with friends, colleagues and fans. It is such a sense of community, of family. You swap war stories and share tips and techniques and wish you could stay forever in the moment. And when you must leave, it is with renewed inspiration and excitement to do your best work.

The dozens of workshop and demonstrations by talented instructors that were scheduled by the IAPS staff were amazing. I wish I could have attended every

one. It was a very good strategy on their part, because now I am inspired to come back next time. Of those I attended. I especially loved Liz Sullivan’s demo on painting skies. She dramatically pointed out the difference in color when painting the sunset from a photo and with the help of cameraman, Phil Bates, she demonstrated color change on the screen. Her approach to painting sunsets inspired me so much that once I got home, I started a series of sunset paintings, which was new for me.

In addition to workshops and demos, the convention offered one-on-one critiques by master pastelists. I registered for a critique by one of my all time pastel heroes, Lorenzo Chavez. We were allowed 3 paintings to be critiqued on our laptop or iPad. I felt I had developed a problem with foregrounds, so I chose three works with that problem to be critiqued. Lorenzo was so helpful in pointing out, not one but many solutions. I am so grateful for his expertise.

I was surprised that even the trade show (known as the Candy

At the Candy Store

Store) had talented artists demonstrating their product. With regard to the trade show, next time I need to set a limit and stick to it! I only have one regret when it comes to the Candy Store which is that I should have purchased more Ming Paper. I didn’t try it until I got home, and I love it.

The IAPS Convention is a place to learn with the best. But more than that, it is a place where pastel artists bond in friendship, support and the spirit of community. We are family.

PSWC Magazine | Fall 2019 11

IAPS Exhibition 2019

PSWC MEMBERS REPRESENTED AT IAPS EXHIBITION

The Pastel Society of the West Coast was well-represented at the IAPS Convention this past June. Here are most of the entries. (Some artists were unable to get copies to us before press deadline.) It was a spectacular show--truly some of the best pastel artists in the world had pieces in the show.

Autumn at the Rim by Stan Bloomfield | 15x20

The Demo: SQUINT! By Barbara Archer-Baldwin | 12x12

Starry Starry Hay by Lynda Conley | 11x14Twilight Blaze by Katherine Irish | 27x27

12 www.pswc.ws

IAPS Exhibition 2019

PSWC MEMBERS REPRESENTED AT IAPS EXHIBITION

There Went My Diet by Judith Leeds | 18x24

Orange Crush by Betsey Kellum | 18x18

From the Terrace by Christine Ivers | 15x12

Still Inside by Jeri Greenberg | 14x10

PSWC Magazine | Fall 2019 13

IAPS Exhibition 2019

PSWC MEMBERS REPRESENTED AT IAPS EXHIBITION

Hill Tribe Mother and Child by Susan Kuznitsky | 18x16

Persephone by Rita Kirkman | 8x6

Patiently Waiting by Linda Mutti | 16x20

Winter’s Warmth by Joe Mancuso |16x12

Prince by Sandy Lindblad |12x9

14 www.pswc.ws

IAPS Exhibition 2019

PSWC MEMBERS REPRESENTED AT IAPS EXHIBITION

My New Dress by Alain Picard 8x6

The Refuge by Eveline Miller | 12x9

Dying Hope by TaiMeng Lim | 14x18

Devotion by Lisa Rico | 12x16

Emeralds by Laura Pollak | 20x16

PSWC Magazine | Fall 2019 15

IAPS Exhibition 2019

PSWC MEMBERS REPRESENTED AT IAPS EXHIBITION

Truckee River by Ann Sanders | 12x16

Beginnings by Sally Strand | 24x18

Wildling Warrior by William Schneider | 20x16Cross Creek by Sarah St. George | 20x16

16 www.pswc.ws

IAPS Exhibition 2019

PSWC MEMBERS REPRESENTED AT IAPS EXHIBITION

Eros As Our Guide by Daggi Wallace | 15x15

This Path I Am On by LaVone Sterling | 24x18

Pyramid Mountain by Doug Tweddale | 19.5 x 25.5

Around the World by Marie Tippets | 13.5x13.5

Madrona Marsh Afternoon by David Wolfram | 11x14

PSWC Magazine | Fall 2019 17

IAPS Exhibition 2019

GETTING BANQUET-READY @ IAPS

Sandy and Jerry Boyd

Rae Smith and Linda Mutti

Jimmy Wright going in for a hug

Sabrina Hill with Duane Wakeham

Terri FordPre-Banquet Mingling

18 www.pswc.ws

IAPS Exhibition 2019

In Memorium

Urania Christy TarbetDecember 19, 1931 - July 4, 2019

by Paul Harman

Urania Christy Tarbet left this world at the wonderful age of 88. She was an amazingly energetic and accomplished artist in both pastel and oil. Urania achieved distinction in her efforts to further the pastel medium by founding the International Association of Pastel Societies in 1994. She was their President Emeritus. Urania loved life, creating art, her husbands, her many friends, everything pastel and had a marvelous sense of humor. She was generous with her time and appreciated by many artists in pastel societies throughout the USA. Her knowledge and teachings in the pastel medium have helped innumerable people to become more adept at the medium.

Urania conducted pastel and oil workshops throughout the United States, Canada, Scotland and Italy. Urania won many awards for her beautiful artwork. Urania was a Master Circle member of IAPS. Her work is included in many how-to-art books; and she has been the subject of many articles published in the American Artist, The Artist’s Magazine, Art Review, Leisure Painter, Designer’s Illustrated and Sacramento Home. She was on the editorial board of the Pastel Journal.

Urania published her book Dare to Dream in 2013 and the book talks about her life in pastel and how she went on to create the International Association of Pastel Societies. There are also many good tips and short articles from many of today’s master pastelists from around the world.

Urania was a member of the Pastel Society of America, Signature and Life Member of the Salmagundi Club, Artist Member of the California Art Club, Pasadena, and of Knickerbocker Artists, and Signature Member both of the Pastel Society of Canada, and the National League of American Pen Women, Artist and Writer Member of the Master Circle of the International Association of Pastel Societies; she also held honorary memberships in numerous Pastel Societies.

Interestingly, Jack Richardson Company originally designed a custom art desk for Urania Christy Tarbet. This desk is marketed by many major art supply houses as Urania’s Desk. The design and organization of it for the pastel artist has been very popular over the years.

PSWC Magazine | Fall 2019 19