The Pastel Podcast

In this episode of The Pastel Podcast, hosts Kari Stober and Lisa Skelly welcome internationally recognized pastel artist, educator, and mentor Alan Picard for a rich, inspiring conversation about the power of pastel painting. 🎨✨

Alan shares his remarkable journey from aspiring baseball player to full-time artist, revealing how drawing, oil painting, and art history shaped his expressive, painterly approach to soft pastels. Listeners will gain insight into his philosophy of mark making, abstraction within realism, and why pastel allows artists to draw and paint at the same time.

This episode dives deep into pastel techniques, inclu...

Duration: 00:57:40

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...

Duration: 00:46:39

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...

Duration: 01:20:14

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 educ...

Duration: 01:00:04

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.

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Duration: 00:26:54

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 voic...

Duration: 01:04:25

Episode 3: Marla Baggetta – Embracing Fundamentals, Freedom & a Life in Pastels

In this inspiring episode of The Pastel Podcast, hosts Lisa Skelly and Kari Stober sit down with nationally acclaimed pastel artist and visionary educator Marla Baggetta for a rich and insightful conversation about art, teaching, and creative freedom. With over three decades of experience, Marla shares her journey from commercial illustrator to fine artist and how the landscapes of Oregon led her to fall in love with the pastel medium.

We dive into the power of fundamentals, the value of daily sketching and thumbnails, and Ma...

Duration: 00:58:34

Episode 2: William A Schneider - A Journey Through Art, Music, and the Passion for Pastels

In this exciting episode of The Pastel Podcast, hosts Lisa Skelly and Kari Stober sit down with master pastel and oil painter William A. Schneider to explore his incredible journey through art, music, and creative mastery! Discover how Bill transitioned from not one, but two successful careers to become a celebrated pastel and oil painter, and a sought-after instructor. We dive deep into his artistic philosophy, the importance of master copies, insights from legendary mentors like Bill Parks and Harley Brown, and...

Duration: 01:03:56

Pastel Podcast Episode 1: Exploring the Soulful Art of Pastel with Kim Lordier

Welcome to a vibrant journey through the world of pastel painting, where passion, technique, and personal stories intertwine to inspire artists of all levels. In this engaging conversation, hosts Lisa Skelly and Kari Stober, share their experiences, insights, and heartfelt connections to the medium. This article delves into the soulful artistry of Kim Lordier, one of the nation's finest pastel plein air painters, exploring her approach, inspirations, and the unique magic she brings to her work. Kim is known for her generosity and warmth, qualities that make...

Duration: 01:01:29