Cindy Gillett, PSWC, PSA

by Pam Comfort

Cindy likes interacting with others but considers herself an introvert. She is an early riser, so her “nocturnes” are often based on early morning light.

What has been your experience regarding painting with others, rather than painting alone?

There are so many benefits to painting with others. Many of us who tend to happily paint in our studios sometimes forget the benefits of connecting with other artists. We get lulled into communicating via Instagram and Facebook. And with COVID, we all embraced Zoom … which was a bit better since it was often a live conversation. But, in person connection with other artists is invaluable. I think that’s why plein air painting has taken off over the last couple of decades. As struggling artists we all need the support and human connection. Painting with others is always a good time…whether our paintings come out well or not.

What are the advantages of gathering with other artists?

We laugh a lot! And also commiserate with each other. Sometimes we help critique each other’s work. We share our studio spaces and share information about the latest gizmos and gadgets we purchase or make to help us create. We often paint outdoors so we get lots of sunshine and great conversations with the public (if they are around). Most of all, we give each other encouragement which is often missing when you are painting in the studio alone.

What kinds of regional events have you had, or do you plan to have?

We have a pretty broad geographical area. There are a lot of miles between Idaho, Montana and Wyoming and not a lot of heavily populated cities. This makes it difficult for everyone to get together physically. The greatest concentration of PSWC members in our area are in Idaho. To that end, several of us participate in the Eagle Plein Air Festival. We get together beforehand or during that event. PSWC regional events don’t require PSWC membership. https://www.cindygillett.com/

How has being a Regional Representative impacted your practice?

I anticipate it complimenting what I already do with the local plein air group. I’m planning on having a get together each fall and spring, but keep the summer months open since so many of us travel and have other commitments.

What advice would you offer to other artists interested in group paint-outs, paint-ins, critiques, etc.?

Be a part of the largest local art group you can find…then connect with other pastelists. Consider joining a plein air group, even if you aren’t a plein air painter. It could open up other opportunities as well. There are advantages when a small group of artists gather to share ideas…even if it’s only two people.

Inhibitions go by the wayside and real connection often occurs. Also, be open to connecting with all types of artists – not just pastelists. Most of all, volunteer within a group you like. We can’t all be participants, we do need to pitch in from time to time and help out as our schedules permit.

From her website: I am an artist living in Southwest Idaho who paints primarily with soft pastels and oils. I find pleasure in focusing on “the little things”. The nuances of individual objects, people, animals or intimate scenes. I relish the specific qualities and details that make a person, place or thing uniquely its own. Because of this, my artistic style leans towards representational realism. It’s the details that draw me in and allow me to get lost in the moment of painting, unaware of the passing of time.

Over the past few years I’ve studied with several well known pastel artists who generously shared their wisdom and talent for this old yet unique medium. After viewing a few pastel paintings by Edgar Degas close up, I was amazed not only by his skill as an artist but at the quality of the pastel pigments. Unlike other mediums that may yellow or crack in time, his works looked fresh, as though they could have been painted yesterday. While I do paint with other mediums such as oil and gouache, my preference remains strong and steadfast for my beloved soft pastels.