The Pastel Podcast

Lon Brauer spent 20 years as a commercial photographer before returning to full-time painting — and only picked up a pastel stick 18 months ago. Yet somehow, he already holds Pastel Society signature status and PleinAir Salon wins. In this episode, Lon joins Kari and Lisa to talk about his "expressive realism" style, his bold experimental technique, and why pastel feels like being a five-year-old...

What happens when a left-brain scientist retires and discovers pastel? Shirley Anderson — incoming president of the International Association of Pastel Societies — joins Kari and Lisa to share her unlikely journey from chemistry labs and AT&T boardrooms to full-time landscape painting in Arkansas. She also pulls back the curtain on IAPS: what it does for pastel societies, what to expect at the 202...

Episode 13: Greg Barnes on Plein Air Painting, Pastel Mastery & Building a Full-Time Art Career What does it take to walk away from a stable career and build a full-time life as a painter? Greg Barnes did exactly that after 9/11—and hasn't looked back since. The Charlotte-based pastel and oil painter joins Kari and Lisa to share the journey, techniques, and philosophy behind his expressive, light-...

Welcome to our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY episode of The Pastel Podcast! 🎉 Today we sit down with the incredible Liz Haywood-Sullivan — New England landscape pastel artist, former president of the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS), Master Pastelist with the Pastel Society of America, and author of Painting Brilliant Skies and Water in Pastel . In this episode, Liz shares her journey...

In this episode of The Pastel Podcast , hosts Kari Stober and Lisa Skelly sit down with acclaimed pastel artist Brenda Boylan , known for her expressive figurative work, rich color palettes, and emotionally resonant paintings. 🎨✨ Brenda shares her artistic journey, from discovering pastel painting to developing a confident, intuitive studio practice rooted in observation, memory, and human conne...

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, paint...

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...

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 fo...

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. He...

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...

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—...

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 fro...

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 ce...

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...