A lion with a colorful mane. Water lilies growing out of a calm body of water. A family of whimsical dog characters called The Barkertons.
Katy Karol believes the artwork by members of the Pastel Society of Central Florida is extraordinary.
Artists with the Pastel Society of Central Florida showcased their artwork and spoke with guests during the opening reception of the “Beyond the Ordinary” art exhibition on May 1 at the Lake County Museum of Art.
From the pigmented colors to the textures left on the canvas, Karol, of the Village of Pine Hills, said she has been enamored with using pastels since she first learned about and joined the art society eight years ago.
“I had met another artist in the group, Harriet Dobbins, and she did such beautiful work,” Karol said. “I asked her if she would consider mentoring me and teaching me how to use pastels, because I have been using acrylics, and she agreed. I just wanted to be able to somehow get close to the work that she was creating. I’m glad I stuck with it.”
With 31 pieces mounted on the walls of the LCMA, the exhibition includes the work of
15 Central Florida-based artists — seven of whom are Villagers.
Karol said because each artist has a different focus, there is a “vast array of different topics and themes.”
Karol describes pastel as “pure pigment” and “great for texture.”
“It’s basically paint that never dries,” she said. “It’s dry pigment and it’s very intense because it’s pure. It has just a smidge of binder to hold it together and it looks somewhat like a piece of chalk, but it’s nothing like chalk. If you drop a red pastel on your carpet, you’ll never get that out of your carpet — the colors are that intense.”
After attendees spent time conversing with the artists and enjoying light refreshments, awards were given to the artists whose work was selected by art judge Katherine Cook.
Best in show was awarded to Donna Kindel, first place went to Carol Bertino, second place was awarded to Melinda Hamsher, and third place went to Harriet Dobbins. Two merit awards were given to Catherine Rondeau and Suzanne Syvertson.
Named in honor of one of the society’s founders who died over a year ago, the Donna Tweedle Memorial Award was given to Suzanne Zielinski.
Karol said Tweedle was “all about art” and she was very happy to see Zielinski receive the award.
“Donna was a sweetheart,” Karol said. “She was a fantastic artist and she would help anybody who went to her to try to improve their art. She was just that type of person. I’m very excited that Suzanne won the award. Suzanne and Donna were both founders (of the Pastel Society of Central Florida), and they’ve kept the group going all these years later. It’s been 13 years and we’re all still here.”
Ileanne Buigas, LCMA executive director, said she was excited to host the Pastel Society of Central Florida for another year.
“All the pieces are so different, so there is a lot to take in,” Buigas said. “I hope people get a new appreciation for pastels.”
The exhibition will be on display through June 20 at LCMA, 213 W Ruby St., Tavares. The museum is open from noon to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. For more about the exhibition or the LCMA, visit lakeartmuseum.com.
For more information about the Pastel Society of Central Florida, visit pastelsocietyofcentralflorida.com.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
