Mark Leach has been voted President-elect of the Society at the recent AGM. Mark will work closely with outgoing President Moira Huntly over the following twelve months before taking full responsibility in 2009.
The Society also congratulates Bob Last on his election to new Vice President.
The Society's 109th annual exhibition is currently in full swing at the Mall Galleries in London. A record number attended the private view, opened in good humour and with much enthusiasm by broadcaster Michael Buerk. The exhibition showcases the very best in current pastel and dry media works, and runs each day until March 16th.
President Moira Huntly and Secretary Brian Gallagher with opener Michael Buerk
Members, friends and guests at the prize giving
This year's annual exhibition is to be opened by journalist and broadcaster Michael Buerk, at 7pm on Tuesday 4th March. Following the extremely high standard of work submitted by artists from around the world, the Society is looking forward to showcasing the very best in contemporary pastel painting and drawing, all in the splendid surroundings of the newly refurbished Mall Galleries in central London.
Full details here.
The selection committee give serious consideration to over 800 submissions
The Society will be holding a series of eight workshops as well as a critique session by President Moira Huntly during the forthcoming exhibition at The Mall Galleries in March 2008. A further four workshops are also planned at Farnham Adult Education Centre later that same month.
Full details and a booking form are available here.
The Society has been invited to exhibit at the prestigious Southampton City Art Gallery in the first quarter of 2008. This major exhibition will showcase the work of some of the most respected pastel painters currently working.
Further details to be announced shortly.
We are sorry to advise that our Honorary Member John Ward CBE, RP, NEAC has died aged 89. John was an establishment painter par excellence. A prolific artist, he painted many portraits of the good and the great - cabinet ministers, college principals, businessmen and city dignitaries. He particularly prized his connections with royalty, and Diana, Princess of Wales, in her wedding dress, Princess Anne, the Princess Royal (for a portrait now in the National Portrait Gallery), and the Duchess of Gloucester each sat for him. He also painted the christenings of Princes William and Harry, made drawings of Balmoral for the Queen and gave sketching lessons to Prince Charles.
A keen supporter, and master, of the pastel medium, John's wonderful paintings were always a high point in our annual show at the Mall Galleries. His charm, gentle but principled manner and ready enthusiasm to encourage and inspire will prove a great loss to us all.
This year's annual exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London was very well received, with a record number of visitors, and much acclaim for the work of Members and non-Member entries.
A series of seven workshops held within the gallery were well attended, as were the ever popular Art Event and President's Evenings. Over 300 works were on display, showcasing the huge diversity, originality and technical possibilities of contemporary pastel painting.
PS President Moira Huntly RWA, RI, RSMA introduces opener Anthony J. Lester at the Private View
The annual exhibition is currently running at the Mall Galleries, London, 28th February - 11th March 2007. To view and purchase member's work click here.
