Exchanging creative gifts in China

"Is it not delightful to have friends coming from afar?" - Chinese proverb

This December, I have been reflecting on the extraordinary opportunities of recent months. With first time workshops in locations as diverse as New Jersey, Texas, and China, it was an exciting time to say the least. Most notable in my journeys was my invitation to exhibit and teach at the 2nd Biennial International Pastel Art Exhibition in Suzhou China. It was as if Christmas came early this year with the exchange of creative gifts across many cultures.

This highly anticipated pastel event exhibited 60 international artists from 14 different countries alongside 40 Chinese artists to showcase 100 beautiful paintings at the stunning Ming Gallery of Art in Suzhou. It was a grand event celebrating a wide diversity of beauty, creativity, and style accomplished in the medium of pastel, attracting thousands of visitors from home and abroad made up of both artists and fans alike.

I had the privilege of sharing my gifts by teaching three portrait workshops at the Ming Jia Art Education Center, taking part in public lectures and painting demonstrations, plain air outings and visits to schools and universities around Suzhou to spread our passion for pastel.

As if this wasn't exciting enough, I was honored to share the stage with pastel luminaries such as Master Pastellists Isabelle Lim (HK), Tony Allain (UK), Liz Haywood-Sullivan (USA), Stan Sperlak (USA), Desmond O'Hagan (USA), and Editor-in-Chief of the Pastel Journal, Anne Hevener (USA). It was truly a once in a lifetime experience that I'll never forget.

I wanted to share some pictures of my experiences with you that provide a glimpse into this magical time of cultural exchange and creative sharing. The Ming Gallery of Art created a beautiful video commemorating the 2016 Biennial Exhibition. Click on the image below to watch, and enjoy it even more if you speak Mandarin!

This December, during the holiday season of exchanging gifts and connecting with friends, I hope you realize what a special gift it is to share the beauty of your creative talents with others. Your unique creative expression not only nourishes your own soul, but enriches the lives of everyone around you, both near and far. 

Be inspired,
Alain

• Art Instruction 96
• Media 11
• Pastel Materials 16
• Reflections of Hope 2
• Skin Tones 4
• Workshops 24

2nd Biennial International Pastel Exhibition

I am so honored to be one of several prominent artists associated with the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) who has been invited to the 2nd Biennial International Pastel Exhibition in Suzhou, China as a special guest and workshop instructor. I am really looking forward to this exciting cultural exchange and pastel celebration.

I hope to share more of my experiences in Suzhou with you in the coming weeks!

View older blog posts

• Art Instruction 96
• Media 11
• Pastel Materials 16
• Reflections of Hope 2
• Skin Tones 4
• Workshops 24

Kids Art Camp

We just wrapped up our historic first kids art camp at Picard Studio, which culminated in an "Emerging Artists Art Reception" complete with Awards Ceremony. Children from 1st to 6th Grade created some outstanding works of art! Here are some pictures of the masterpieces. Teaching these kids was such a fulfilling experience for my wife and I. Look out art world, here they come!

View older blog posts

• Art Instruction 96
• Workshops 24
• Pastel Materials 16
• Media 11
• Skin Tones 4
• Reflections of Hope 2

Back from Europe

I just returned from a refreshing and inspiring family vacation to Europe. We visited family in Germany, and managed to make lasting memories there as well as in Holland, Belgium, and France. I also hosted my first European art workshop in Duesseldorf, Germany. This is the city where my wife was born, attended University and my father-in-law worked his entire professional life. It was a very meaningful experience for us!

Landscape Demonstration & Portrait Workshop

I had a wonderful time last month giving a painterly landscape demonstration for Pastel Society of New Jersey. I have some pictures to share, compliments of John D. Helm Photography.

LIFELIKE PORTRAIT & FIGURE PAINTING Workshop

I hosted a three day portrait workshop in Southbury CT this month with a wonderful group of artists. Here are some pictures of my demonstrations as well as student work. 

Portrait Demonstration

I was invited to give a 90 minute portrait demonstration with the Newton Art Association in Newton, MA last week. I had a wonderful time painting my new friend and fellow artist, Cheryl.

Landscape Workshop

I recently taught a landscape workshop with a wonderful group of inspiring artists. We had such a great time developing our landscape techniques using the painterly approach.

Weekend Portrait Workshop

I recently taught a weekend workshop with a group of inspiring artists as we developed our portrait techniques and approaches. What a wonderful time we had together!

The weekend began Friday evening with a full portrait demonstration in pastel. 

It's so exciting to see workshop participants push themselves right out of their comfort zones to apply these new techniques and learnings to their work. The results are always amazing!