The Pastel Podcast

• Pastel Podcast Episode 8: Karen Margulis

  Pastel Podcast Episode 8: Karen Margulis Karen Margulis began painting again in her 40s and quickly found her voice in pastel. Two decades later she is a Master Pastelist and an inspiring teacher who simplifies complex ideas into techniques any painter can adopt. Her work is known for bold color, expressive underpaintings, and a balance between delicate layers and confident strokes. From a one-day workshop to a daily practice A single pastel workshop changed Karen's direction. After trying watercolor briefly, she fell in love with the tactile immediacy of pastels. Pastel allowed her to paint in short bursts, clean up quickly, and get hands-on without the fuss of brushes and solvents. That accessibility helped make regular practice possible, even around family and other commitments. Why underpainting matters Underpainting or block in is central to Karen's process. She begins with the whole composition laid out, using value and sometimes color to establish a foundation. That big-picture approach prevents getting lost in detail too early and keeps the painting painterly and cohesive. When she discovered alcohol washes, the effect was transformational. An alcohol wash creates a wet underpainting that suggests shapes, values, and unexpected drips to respond to. For Karen it removed the intimidation of a white surface and gave an immediate, engaging base to paint on. Practical approach to underpaintings Start with a value-based block in so the composition reads at a glance. Use a deliberate, expressive brush hand when making the underpainting; think of it as a creative layer, not just primer. Experiment with color choices. There is no single correct underpainting color; different choices yield different moods and depths. Texture: how to get physical depth with pastel Pastel does not naturally give the thick impasto of oils, so Karen uses what is underneath to create texture. Clear gesso adds grit and a sanded surface, perfect when you want physical texture for grasses and rough foregrounds. When painting outdoors, she pares down her kit and adapts materials to the scene at hand. Tools Karen relies on Clear gesso for added tooth and texture Bamboo skewers (for scraping, carving, and making thicker marks) Palette knife for applying gesso or scraping back Pipe insulation for fast, soft block ins Whispering versus shouting: the right touch Karen talks about mark making as whispering or shouting. Whispering means a light, feathered touch that leaves layers visible for optical blending. Shouting is pressing hard for a final, bold stroke. Both have their place, but the order matters. Whisper long, then shout when you need clarity and emphasis. "The light touch is the right touch." Her rule of thumb is simple: if you can still see the color or paper underneath, you are whispering. If the mark becomes a solid, opaque layer that hides everything beneath, you have shouted. Whispering creates options and helps avoid muddy neutrals. Optical blending and avoiding mud Optical blending happens when the eye combines colors placed next to or on top of each other rather than physically mixing them together. Use a light touch and build layers so pigments vibrate together. Pressing too hard blends physically and can neutralize color into mud. How to practice optical blending Lay down two or three light layers of closely related colors without pressing hard. Step back and let your eye mix the colors from a small distance. Reserve strong, opaque strokes for accents that anchor the composition. To blend or not to blend Blending has a place. Karen blends when she wants calm skies or softer transitions, but she blends sparingly and with a light touch. Using fingertips or gentle tools only, she knits layers without flattening pigment luminosity. Pipe insulation makes an excellent fast blender for initial block ins. Karen uses it for the first layer to quickly push everything out of focus when plein air painting. After multiple layers, however, she sets the tool aside because aggressive blending at that stage tends to muddy the surface. Plein air packing: less is more For location work Karen pared down her kit to a compact pochade box and a focused selection of sticks. Her approach when packing for plein air: Think value range first: colorful darks, colorful lights, and middle values. Bring neutrals and a few vibrant accents rather than trying to bring every color. Tweak the selection for the scene. More greens for mountains, more ochres for deserts. If the value is right you can often make color choices work. Carry fewer sticks and rely on layering and optical mixing to expand your palette on the paper. Surfaces and papers: match the paper to the job Different papers behave differently. Sandy papers take many layers and can accept wet underpaintings. Smooth papers need different approaches. Karen recommends giving a new paper more than one trial; explore different techniques before discarding it. Some practical guidance: Use sanded or gritty surfaces for heavy layering and texture. Try clear gesso on smoother sheets when you want to add tooth and brushwork texture. Test specialty papers, such as iridescent or lightly colored sheets, for one or two paintings to discover their strengths. Teaching, community, and a practice that sticks Karen believes teaching and making go hand in hand. She often chooses lesson topics that match what she wants to explore personally, so the work stays fun and meaningful. Sharing discoveries with other artists helps deepen understanding and keeps practice consistent. Her single best tip for progress is also the simplest: paint often. Even short, timed pieces force decision making and improve skill faster than waiting for the perfect long session. "Paint as often as you can. Set a timer for 20 minutes and just put pastel to paper." Quick practice checklist Set a daily or weekly small-painting goal, even 20 minutes. Start each piece with a whole-surface underpainting or block in. Keep a light touch for layers and save strong strokes for final emphasis. Experiment with one new paper, tool, or texture method each month. Pack a pared-down plein air kit focused on values rather than every hue. Final thoughts Pastel painting is equal parts intuition and craft. Develop a reliable underpainting habit, learn the difference between whispering and shouting marks, and make practice non negotiable. Over time those tiny choices add up into bold, luminous work that reads with clarity and heart. Make a mark, leave a little dust, and enjoy the process of discovering how many voices pastels can have. Related Links from this episode of the Pastel Podcast: Karen's Website Dakota Pastels International Association of Pastel Societies Pastel Live Online Conference Pastel Today free e-newsletter

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• Pastel Podcast Episode 7: Lorenzo Chavez

  In this inspiring episode of The Pastel Podcast, hosts Kari Stober and Lisa Skelly welcome renowned pastel and oil painter Lorenzo Chavez — celebrated for his breathtaking Southwest landscapes and painterly approach to light, color, and atmosphere.  Lorenzo shares his artistic journey growing up in New Mexico, how the Taos Society of Artists and the Southwest's vibrant scenery shaped his love for plein air pastel painting, and what it means to capture "the poetry of place." He also discusses his process for layering pastels, balancing composition and value, and staying inspired through nature, travel, and teaching. You'll gain insights into Lorenzo's studio practice, plein air techniques, and the mindset that fuels his decades-long career as one of America's leading pastel artists. Whether you're a painter, pastel artist, or creative soul seeking inspiration, this conversation will renew your passion for the medium. Subscribe for more artist interviews, pastel painting tips, and stories from today's top plein air and pastel painters!

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• Pastel Podcast Episode 6: Pamela Comfort

  In Episode 6 of The Pastel Podcast we sat down with Pamela Comfort — pastel artist and president of the Pastel Society of the West Coast (PSWC) — to hear how she went from a 30-year career in education to leading one of the largest and most active pastel societies in the United States. Pamela's story is equal parts curiosity, community-building, and practical insight for artists at every stage. Here's a condensed, actionable recap of our conversation and what PSWC offers to pastelists everywhere. How Pamela discovered pastels Pamela's pastel journey began in 2019 after retirement. While packing boxes from her education career she found oil pastels she'd used for leadership workshops and decided to "play around" with them. Curious and methodical by training, she dove into online research and workshops and quickly discovered soft (dry) pastels. What followed was a joyful plunge: ordering pastels and papers, setting up an easel, and learning by doing. Her experience is a great reminder that it's never too late to start a new creative practice. "I just started headlong into it... next thing you know, I'm buying the dry pastels. They're arriving in the mail one after another." From volunteer to PSWC president Pamela's involvement with PSWC began through volunteering. Because of her decades in education — including connections to county superintendents and arts initiatives across California — she stepped in as a scholarship co-chair to help promote PSWC's student scholarships. Her volunteer work opened doors: she met artists, learned organizational ropes, and was asked to take on more leadership roles, ultimately becoming PSWC president. What the Pastel Society of the West Coast offers PSWC is one of the largest pastel societies in the U.S., with hundreds of members and a broad slate of programs designed to support artists from beginners to award-winning professionals. Below are the core offerings Pamela described: Workshops and demonstrations In-person workshops across Northern, Central and Southern California, often aligned with shows or festivals. Online Zoom demonstrations and modular workshops — for example, short Saturday-afternoon series (1–4 PM) to lower the commitment barrier. Guest instructors vary from local favorites to international artists, and PSWC sometimes offers member scholarships to attend workshops. Shows and competitions 99 Voices : A prestigious traditional pastel exhibit (currently showing at the Hilbert Museum of California Art). MOOS : A members-only online show (convenient: no framing or shipping). Multimedia Show : A physical show where artists can break the usual pastel society rule — instead of the typical requirement that the final layer be at least 80% pastel, PSWC allows pieces with only 30–50% pastel in the final layer. This makes room for oil + pastel, collage + pastel, watercolor underpaintings with exposed layers, gouache, acrylic, inks and mixed-media techniques. "In a regular pastel society show the top layer is supposed to be 80% dry or soft pastel. For our multimedia show the final layer is supposed to be only 30 to 50% pastel — it really has to be multimedia." Challenges, magazine exposure, and guest blogs Regular themed challenges (10-day, 21-day, and others) that include educational primers, daily practice, and peer feedback. Selected works from challenges and regional activities are highlighted in PSWC's beautiful print magazine — a tangible form of recognition for emerging artists who may not yet get into juried shows. Guest blog posts and archived interviews/demonstrations provide ongoing educational content on the PSWC website. Scholarships Two scholarship tracks: high school seniors heading to college art programs, and college students pursuing art degrees. Recent awards have been $2,000 each. Member workshop scholarships are also offered periodically so artists can afford professional instruction. Community, critique, and the power of honest feedback One of the strongest benefits Pamela emphasized is community — a place where pastelists "speak the same language." PSWC encourages honest critique from peers and mentors, which helps artists grow faster than praise alone. Pamela noted that posting work among artist peers produces actionable feedback, versus general applause from friends and family which, while lovely, doesn't push skill development. "A good critique from someone you trust is one of the most powerful tools for elevating your skills to a new level." Volunteering: small commitments, big rewards PSWC faces the same volunteer and demographic challenges as many arts organizations: membership skews older, materials are expensive, and it can be hard to recruit younger volunteers. Pamela's approach was practical — break volunteer roles into small, manageable jobs so more people can contribute without feeling overwhelmed. Regional reps : Low-pressure role. Do what you already enjoy — organize a paint-out, host a small group critique, or invite people to a museum show. PSWC supports reps with publicity, swag, and no strict meeting requirements. Remote board : PSWC board members live across the U.S. and internationally, so meetings and programming run online to accommodate everyone. "Volunteer. It's not only good for them, it's good for you and your soul." Membership levels and recognition PSWC, like many societies, has tiered membership status (general, signature, distinguished pastelist, and pastel laureate). Artists earn points toward higher levels by being accepted into shows, earning awards, and contributing to the community. These credentials (and corresponding initials) are recognized in the pastel world and can help artists gain visibility and professional credibility. Where PSWC is headed PSWC is continually evolving. Right now 99 Voices is on view at the Hilbert Museum through the end of November. Pamela hinted that 2026 — the Year of the Fire Horse — will be a time of change and "rocking and rolling" for the society. Expect more hybrid programming, refined member benefits, and renewed efforts to connect with other society presidents for shared learning. Final thoughts and how to get involved PSWC offers workshops, shows (traditional and multimedia), challenges, scholarships, a print magazine, guest blogs, and regular online programming. Whether you're a beginner buying your first soft pastels or a seasoned award-winner looking to experiment with mixed media, there's a place to learn and be seen. If you're inspired to join or support the pastel community: Visit the Pastel Society of the West Coast website to explore membership, programs, archives, and upcoming events. Consider volunteering in a small role — regional rep, event helper, or online content contributor — to build relationships and develop your practice. Try a PSWC challenge to jumpstart daily practice and possibly see your work in the magazine. "Art makes people happy and we need more happy people in this world." Thanks to Pamela Comfort for her leadership and to everyone in the pastel community who teaches, critiques, volunteers, and paints. If you want to explore more, check out PSWC programs and consider joining the movement — there's a next step ready for every artist. Related Links from this episode of the Pastel Podcast: Pamela Comfort's Website Pastel Society of the West Coast International Association of Pastel Societies Pastel Live Online Conference Plein Air Convention & Expo Pastel Today free e-newsletter

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• Pastel Podcast Episode 5: Albert Handell

  This episode of The Pastel Podcast features Albert Handell, an influential impressionist painter working in both pastel and oil. The conversation traces Handell's artistic journey—from early training at the Art Students League and years in Europe to breakthroughs with pastel, major honors, and a lifelong commitment to teaching. Listeners hear practical demonstrations, technical advice, and stories that reveal why Handell is widely credited with helping popularize plein air pastel painting in the modern era. #PastelPodcast #AlbertHandell #PastelPainting #OilPainting #PleinAirPastel #LandscapePainting #PastelArt #PastelSociety #ArtPodcast #PaintingInspiration #ArtTechniques #PastelArtists #ColorTheory #ArtWorkshops #ImpressionistArt

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• Pastel Podcast Episode 4: Harley Brown

  Episode 4: Harley Brown – A Legendary Artist's Journey Through Art and Life In this unforgettable episode of The Pastel Podcast, hosts Lisa Skelly and Kari Stober sit down with legendary artist Harley Brown, whose expressive pastel and oil portraits have captivated the art world for decades. With his signature blend of wisdom, humor, and heart, Harley reflects on a life lived through creativity—from his earliest inspiration at age seven to painting U.S. presidents and becoming a beloved teacher and storyteller. We explore Harley's thoughts on artistic expression, design, values, and staying true to your voice. He shares wild tales from his past, his nemesis "Belanovsky," and lessons from his honest and hilarious book, Confessions of a Starving Artist. This episode is packed with inspiration for anyone who wants to live—and paint—with passion, purpose, and courage. Related Links from this episode of The Pastel Podcast Harley Brown's website Plein Air Convention Pastel Today free e-newsletter HarleyBrown #PastelPodcast #ThePastelPodcast #PastelArt #OilPainting #PortraitPainting #ArtWisdom #ConfessionsOfAStarvingArtist #PastelPainting #ArtistJourney #LegendaryArtist #PaintingWithEmotion #ArtPodcast

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