Welcome to the Northwest Pastel Society website.
You'll find information about our organization, our members, and NPS pastel news and events.
CLARK ELSTER PASSES
We are saddened to announce the passing of Clark Elster, a co-founder and past president of our society. Clark rediscovered his passion for art shortly before retiring from the Seattle Police Department in 1986. He quickly fell in love with pastel, becoming an accomplished painter and passionate advocate for the medium in the Northwest. Read more...
NPS Nisqually Paint Out: September 12, 2026
About a dozen NPS painters defied the forecast and were rewarded with muted grays, blue sky, and NO rain at the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge on September 12.
2026 SIGNATURE MEMBERS SHOW
The 2026 Signature Members Show runs November 5–28 at Scott Milo Gallery in Anacortes, WA, juried by Marla Baggetta, with $2,000 in cash and merchandise awards. Join us for the awards reception on Friday, November 6 at 5:00 pm at the gallery.
2026 SIGNATURE SHOW EVENT PAGE
NPS Ridgefield Paint Out: July 18, 2026
Read our recap of the July 18, 2026 NPS paint-out at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.
TWO NPS MEMBERS INDUCTED
INTO THE IAPS MASTERS CIRCLE
Above is The Cusps by Darcie Roberts and Cheeky by Bithia Bjurman
Two NPS members were honored at the IAPS (International Association of Pastel Societies) convention. Bithia Bjurman and Darcie Roberts were both awarded membership into the IAPS Master's Circle.
You can see them receive their awards in two short YouTube videos prepared by our videographer Michael Medina. Congratulations to both artists!
LORIANN SIGNORI WORKSHOP: "A NEW KIND OF SEEING"
(Photos by Michael Medina and Megan Veldee)
NPS hosted a four-day workshop with IAPS Eminent Pastelist Loriann Signori from March 3–6 at ArtWorks in Edmonds. Eighteen accomplished artists spent four intense days exploring composition, notans, value, and Loriann's memorable "Papa Bear, Mama Bear, Baby Bear" approach to compositional hierarchy.
We thank you Loriann for sharing your time and knowledge. Read More
JOIN THE NORTHWEST PASTEL SOCIETY
MEMBERS FACEBOOK GROUP
One of the many benefits of joining the NW Pastel Society is the opportunity to join our private Members Facebook Discussion Group. As a part of this community, you'll be able to share art tips, learn about upcoming workshops and share your art journey with friends and mentors. Read more about this and other NPS membership benefits.
Please Note - You need to be a member of NPS in good standing to participate in the Members Facebook Group!
