ARTISTS EXTRAORDINAIRE!
In my own humble opinion...

Sharon Fox Cranston: Pastel Artist, Ontario, Canada

Albert Handell: Pastel Artist, New Mexico, USA

Richard McKinley: Pastel Artist, Oregon, USA

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LANDSCAPE ARTISTS INTERNATIONAL:

LAI is a collective effort by member artists from around the globe to increase the appreciation of landscape-oriented art by people of all walks of life, and to promote the careers of the member artists.

LANDSCAPE ARTISTS INTERNATIONAL

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PAINTING IN FRANCE: Where to stay...

PROVENCE: Lou Amourie and Bize de la Tour

My wife Sharon and I stayed for 3 weeks at Lou Amourie in Les Ferriers, Provence, Spring, 2006. What an amazing location! The house itself is wonderful – fully equipped and beautifully furnished. Located in the heart of Provence, you are only a short drive from many wonderful locations including Bonnieux, Lacoste and the ochre cliffs of Roussillon. Apt's huge Saturday street market winds its way through the twisting lanes of the old town. We spent many days plein air painting on and within walking distance of the property. Poppie and lavendar fields galore!

Bize de la Tour was our home for a week, Spring 2006. This B&B is lovely. Beautiful rooms and breakfasts with attitude! A great location for exploring Avignon, les Baux de Provence, Uzès, and the Pont du Gard.

CORDES SUR CEIL: La Borie Grande

This town is a thriving artist's community. Climb to the top of the town to visit the many art galleries and studios. We stayed at La Borie Grande, just a short drive away. I can't say enough good things about this B&B, you just can't get much better than this.

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PAINTING IN WALES: Where to stay...

GWYNEDD: Maes-y-Neuadd

Situated amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in Britain, with spectacular views across the Snowdonia National Park, Maes-y-Neuadd nestles into a wooded mountainside. The hotel is a very old Welsh manor house, dating from the 14th century. It's a good base for exploring the Mountains of Snowdonia, the North Wales coast, the Lleyn Peninsula, Portmeirion and historic castles like Harlech or Conway. In addition, Maes-y-Neuadd is recognised as one of the very best hotels in Wales, with AA red stars, rosettes for their restaurant, and many other awards. The food here is so amazing! It is truly one of the best places I have ever eaten – anywhere! 5 course dinners, 5 course desserts, come hungry!! Painting locations galore. Ask for a packed picnic lunch to take with you when you go plein air painting, it will include such goodies as pressed duck, welsh cheeses, fruit etc.

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PASTEL SUPPLIES: The only place to shop...

DAKOTA ART PASTELS

A virtual candy store for artists! The best place to buy professional pastels and supplies. If they don't have it, it's not worth having! You can order online or from their catalogue, but if you ever get the chance to visit their part of the world - GO! Just bring an extra suitcase, you'll need it.

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PASTEL WORKSHOPS: The best of the best!

LA CONNER ART WORKSHOPS

Located in Mount Vernon on the beautiful west coast of Washington State, Robyn's workshops offer the Who's Who of preeminent pastel artists like Richard McKinley, Teresa Saia, Susan Ogilvie, Kitty Wallis and Margot Schulzke. If this isn't enough, the huge studio spaces and unlimited outdoor plein air locations coupled with Dakota Art Pastel's store and warehouse right next door make this a Mecca for pastel enthusiasts!

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ARTIST ORGANIZATIONS

THE FEDERATION OF CANADIAN ARTISTS

A not-for-profit organization, dedicated to the promotion and professional development of artists. The gallery is located on Granville Island. A must-see if you live in, or are visiting Vancouver.

CANADIAN PASTEL ASSOCIATION

Pastel Artists Canada (PAC) is an art society representing approximately 200 soft pastel artists from coast to coast.

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