2024 IAPS CONVENTION INSTRUCTORS
 | Jacob Aguiar IAPS-MC, PSALighting Up the Snow (WS16) Jacob Aguiar is a nationally recognized pastel artist living in Boxford, MA. He has won several pastel awards including awards in the 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 Pastel 100 competitions. He has also won awards from the American Impressionist Society, Plein Air Salon, and Carmel Plein Air. He has exhibited in galleries throughout the US, including Jackson Hole, Wyoming and exhibited at the Brinton Museum in Big Horn, Wyoming. A signature member of the Pastel Society of America, he teaches online through Patreon, as well as at workshops throughout the country. jacobaguiar.com |
 | Tony Allain IAPS-EPPainting the Changing Reflections on Water (DM308) Painting the Ever-Changing Sky (WS23) Tony Allain is an award-winning painter and author. He is a Master Pastelist of the Pastel Artists of New Zealand, and a member of the Pastel Society UK. Tony is a regular contributor to the Pastel Journal and The Artist's Magazine. He is also a busy workshop instructor and juror for national exhibitions. His paintings are shown worldwide and are in private and corporate collections, including Cunard Shipping and Castle Cornet Maritime Museum. His work has been featured in Pure Color: The Best of Pastel 2 published by North Light Books, Pastel Artists of the World published by Practique des Arts, Paris, The Artist's Magazine, and more. Tony is a self-taught artist born on Guernsey, Channel Islands, and now lives in the UK. tonyallainfineart.com |
 | Sandra Burshell IAPS-EP, PSA-MPPortrait/Figurative Mentorship Forum: Two Models, Two Presenters (WS06) Sandra creates moody, atmospheric figurative interiors. Founder of the New Orleans Drawing Group (2005), live in-person figure sessions, now in Zoom format since 2020, she exhibits, teaches, and publishes internationally. Sandra is represented by Carol Robinson Gallery, New Orleans, LA since 1999. sandraburshell.com |
 | Lorenzo Chavez PSAPortraying the Arid Southwest (WS18) Lorenzo is Past member of the Plein Air Painters of America. Member of the Western Rendezvous of Art, California Art Club-Signature Member, Pastel Society of America, Past member of the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico, Master Signature Member of the Plein Air Painters of Colorado, Pastel Society of Spain, and the American Impressionist Society- Signature Member. lorenzochavez.com |
 | Tom Christopher IAPS-MCThe Significance of a Textured Ground (WS05) Tom is an international award-winning pastel artist from central Iowa. Living in the Midwest has influenced his style of painting and choice of subject matter significantly. Many of his pieces depict very common scenes he has experienced. As a child, he spent countless hours playing on the riverbanks and wooded areas in Central Iowa. Even today, he continues to be intrigued with nature and the way sunlight and shadows help define the landscape. He continues to spend mornings hiking and sketching the rugged landscape along the Iowa River near his home. His goal is to paint relatively common scenes in a more dramatic and interesting way. Most of his finished works are the result of reference photographs and on-location (plein-air) studies. tomchristopherartist.com |
 | Stephie ClarkAtmospheric Magic (WS08) Stephie is an Australian based pastel artist, best known for her uninhibited exploration of the natural world. Self-taught, Stephie began her love affair with soft pastels in 2011, cultivating inspiration from the Impressionism art movement and her close observation of beauty in nature. She has been a featured artist in demonstrations held by the Pastel Society in Australia and New Zealand. She is a member of the Pastel Guild of Europe and has been featured in the French magazine, Pratique des Arts. stephieclark.net |
 | Doug Dawson IAPS-MC, PSA-MP HFHNight City Scenes (DM201) Doug Dawson has received awards from PSA, AWS, Knickerbocker Artists, National Academy of Western Art, SEPS, PSWC, PSNM, Audubon Artists, KPS, PSSW, and IAPS. He's been in over 14 museums and over 40 books and magazines. He is the author of 'Capturing Light and Color with Pastel'. dougdawsonartist.com |
 | Lyn Diefenbach IAPS-EP, PSA, PSA(Aus)-MPThe Floral Landscape (DM301) Australian artist Lyn Diefenbach highlights masterly quality and the illusion of reality in her painting. Her work celebrates life and her faith, and consistently receives accolades around the world. ldief.com |
 | Margaret Dyer IAPS-MC, PSA-MPThe Dynamic Figure in Motion (WS04) Margaret paints people in everyday scenes. Winner of the 2019 National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society 'Best Impressionist Painting' award, Margaret has been featured many times in Pastel Journal and other art magazines, and you can find her in 'Pure Color - The Best of Pastels.' Margaretdyer.com |
 | Ellen Eagle PSA-MPThe Heart of the Matter (WS25) Renowned artist, author and instructor, Ellen teaches the portrait and figure in pastel at The Art Students League of New York and has exhibited in many venues including The National Academy of Design, the Butler Institute of American Art, and the Frye Art Museum. She is the author of 'Pastel Painting Atelier' and has been featured in numerous publications including the New York Times and the Pastel Journal. Elleneagleportraits.com |
 | Dawn Emerson IAPS-MC, PSAInnovative Possibilities with Pastel (WS01) Dawn is the author of 'Pastel Innovations' (2017), and the producer of seven pastel videos. She has taught workshops in printmaking, drawing, pastel, and mixed media for 35 years. She is known for her playful energy and unique applications of the pastel medium. dawnemerson.com |
 | Terri Ford IAPS-EP, PSA-MP, PSWC-DP, PSNM-DPElevate Your Paintings with Dynamic Color (DM205) Terri's pastels have appeared in Plein Air Magazine, Pastel Journal, American Art Collector, Western Art & Architecture, Pratique des Arts, and books 'Pure Pastel' and '40 Maitres de Pasteles.' Her work has been exhibited at Butler Fine Art Museum and Carnegie Art Center to name a few. In 2021 she received Outstanding Landscape Award from American Women Artists. Terrifordart.com |
 | Albert Handell PSA-MP HFHThe Adobe Structure (DM102) Albert is a consistent judge and juror for countless annual national invitationals and regional painting exhibitions. He has a variety of unique teaching programs, including plein air painting workshops and his advanced personalized paint-along mentoring programs, where aspiring artists paint with Albert at his favorite painting locations. Alberthandellstudio.com |
 | Liz Haywood-Sullivan IAPS-EP, PSA-MPWhen Are You Done? (DM204) Color Nuance with Pastels (WS02) President Emerita of IAPS (2013-2017) where Liz managed three international conventions and 12 international exhibitions. Dedicated to pastel since 1996, she teaches nationally and internationally, and is a sought-after judge and demonstrator for pastel societies and arts organizations around the world. lizhaywoodsullivan.com |
 | Truman Hosner IAPS-MC, PSA-MP, PSWC-DPReading Light (DM203) Designing the Element of a Figure Work (WS15) Truman received his Bachelor of Fine Art/College of Art and Design from Wayne State University, Detroit. He is an internationally recognized art-workshop teacher and published author. He taught at the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, and currently is an instructor at the Scottsdale Artists' School. wtrumanhosner.com |
 | Natasha IsenhourConnecting, Eyes, Heart, Hand (WS22) Contemporary American Realist Natasha Isenhour expresses her emotional response to unpopulated spaces with an edgy lonesome starkness that defines the very essence of her work in oil and pastel. Isenhour exhibits throughout the southwest and teaches 4-6 workshops/year. Ludwig Pastels introduced 'Isenhour, Essential Alchemy' set of 60 pastels spring 2023. natashaisenhour.com |
 | Christine Ivers IAPS-EP, PSA-MPThe Stroke of Midnight (WS17) Known as the 'Queen of the Dark!' Chris is an encouraging teacher who loves working with all students. She is past-president of Connecticut Pastel Society, former member of PSA's Board of Governors, and former Vice President of IAPS. Chris is affiliated with many pastel societies and art organizations, where she has won numerous awards. christineivers.com |
 | Barbara Jaenicke IAPS-EP, PSA-MPPlunging into Waterfalls (DM206) Strengthen Your Landscapes with Expressive Edges (WS14) With earlier careers as an advertising art director and marketing communications manager, Barbara works in both pastel and oil, striving to create light-filled landscapes and snow scenes that favor a painterly style. She's currently inspired by the scenery surrounding her in Bend, Oregon, and teaches workshops coast to coast. Barbarajaenicke.com |
 | Daniel Keys IAPS-MCCapturing Children (DM304) The Painterly Still-Life (WS09) Daniel is a self-taught artist who started painting at the age of eleven. During his impressionable teenage years he discovered the work of Richard Schmid: a master artist whose works he later began emulating in his own paintings. In recent times, Daniel has taken up pastel painting in addition to his work in oils. Alternating between the two mediums, he has already established himself in the world of pastel painting through a highly successful one-man show, winning multiple awards through IAPS and PSA, and being published in Pastel Journal. danieljkeys.com |
 | Kim Lordier IAPS-MC, PSA, PSWC-DPStrength through Simplification (WS21) As a member of the Laguna Plein Air Painters, and a Signature Artist of the California Art Club, Kim's work has gained national attention and been featured in Art of the West, Southwest Art, Fine Art Connoisseur, and The Pastel Journal. Kim has received recognition for her landscapes at major plein air events, society shows and museum exhibitions. kimfancherlordier.com |
 | Karen Margulis IAPS-EP, PSAAdventures in Abstraction (WS26) Karen Margulis is a full-time contemporary landscape painter and art educator. She currently teaches painting workshops around the world. She is delighted to be a pastel instructor both in her workshops and online instruction through the Patreon platform. karenmargulis.com |
 | Andrew McDermott IAPS-MC, SFCA, PSCEverything but the Kitchen Sink (DM307) Urban Lights and Reflections (WS20) Andrew has received over 60 National and International Awards. He has had full feature articles in top art magazines such as International Artist, The Artist UK, Pastel World, Magazin'art, and the Pastel Journal. Andrew is a popular workshop instructor and teaches Figure Drawing and Painting at Capilano University and the Vancouver Film School. mcdermott-art.com |
 | Nancie King Mertz IAPS-EC, PSA-MPPutting the City into Perspective (WS27) Nancie King Mertz, a lifetime painter in oil & pastel with a BFA, was the IAPS 2018 Prix de Pastel winner. Nancie teaches across the US & Europe, and owns a Learning Center for Pastel. She was the Guest of Honor at the Art du Pastel en France in Giverny, France, in May 2022. nanciekingmertz.com |
 | Eve Miller IAPS-MC, PSAThe Emotional Landscape (DM207) Eve is an American contemporary artist known for her pastoral landscapes. She keeps a dedicated daily practice, and has had work juried into regional and international shows, receiving awards and positive reviews. She has exhibited internationally in France, Spain and China. evemillerfineart.com |
 | Kelly Milukas IAPS-MCOpulent Hot Wax and Dry Pastel Paint (DM303) Kelly is a professional working and teaching artist, art & science residency collaborator, and an award-winning multi-media artist whose practice began as a sculptor and has expanded to pastel and encaustic painting. Her work is exhibited in venues including the International Encaustic Museum, Palm Beach Photographic Museum, international private and corporate collections, and been visible at international art fairs such as Red Dot Miami, and Boston International Art Fairs. She's served as a curator, juror, and she is a sought-after instructor and speaker in museums, arts and science forums, universities, leadership programs, and arts organizations. kellymilukas.com |
 | Paul Murray IAPS-MC, PSA-MP, PSNM-DPElevating Emotion in your Landscape (WS24) Paul enthusiastically passes his joy, focus and purpose on to the artists he teaches. Having sold around 1,000 paintings in his career, he understands that tools, focus and a healthy ability to assess ones art is critical in addition to enthusiasm, persistence — and patience. gpmurray.com |
 | Nancy Nowak IAPS-EP, PSA, AISDance with Underpainting for Pastel (WS19) Nancy Nowak earned her BFA degree at Cleveland Institute of Art. She has won numerous national and international awards exhibiting throughout the US, France, and Italy. Nancy has been featured in Plein Air Magazine, Southwest Art Magazine and Pastel Journal. She is on the Board of Directors of IAPS. nancynowak.com |
 | Desmond O'Hagan IAPS-EP, PSA-MPStep out of your Comfort Zone (WS12) Desmond paints in pastels and oils depicting a variety of subjects including urban scenes, figurative, and landscapes. He listed in 'Who's Who in American Art.' His art has been featured in several one man shows across the U.S., and group shows in Japan, China, Canada, France, and the U.S. desmondohagan.com |
 | Aline Ordman IAPS-EP, PSA-MPUsing Your Focal Points in a Landscape (WS03) Aline is a Signature Member of the American Impressionist Society. In 2020 she was the recipient of the Founder's Award in the Pastel Journal's 'Top 100,' and in 2018 of the Prix de Pastel at the IAPS annual juried show. alineordman.com |
 | Alain Picard IAPS-MCExpress Yourself with Color (WS07) An award-winning artist, author and instructor who has written numerous art books and created a growing collection of instructional videos to share his passion for pastel. Alain has demonstrated for The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Arts Club and a host of museums, universities and galleries from Boston to Beijing. Teaching art workshops throughout the world, Alain is a sought-after portrait and landscape painter, making his home in Connecticut with his wife and two sons. picardstudio.com |
 | Sergey Pietilä IAPS-MC, PSA, APF, RRPSNVDesign with Dark Surfaces (WS13) Sergey Pietilä has been drawing since early childhood, has two art degrees, and lives in Finland. He paints landscapes en plein air, portraits from life. In his works, Sergey pays special attention to composition and the play of light. He has been published in Plein Air Magazine, Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine and Pastel Journal. Sergey travels a lot and most of his work is influenced by his adventures. sergeidesarts.com |
 | Corey Pitkin IAPS-MC, PSALimited Palette Portraits (DM101) Portrait/Figurative Mentorship Forum: Two Models, Two Presenters (WS06) A predominantly self-taught artist, Corey's award-winning work has been featured in the Pastel Journal, Art Renewal Center, Portrait Society of America, Pratique des Arts, and International Artist, and is held in collections across the world. Coreypitkin.com |
 | Diana SanfordJAM SESSION! (WS11) Diana has degrees in both Painting and Clinical Psychology. For three decades she maintained a practice in psychotherapy (retiring in 2020) as well as a practice painting in pastel and oil. Her interests in neurobiology combined with her personal experience in the studio result in a unique workshop focusing on the process and experience of painting. dianasanford.com |
 | Bill Schneider IAPS-EP, PSA-MPThe Edge of Abstraction in Portraiture (DM202) Bill attended the American Academy of Art. His work has been featured in virtually every art magazine and has won over 20 'Best of Show' awards (including the Prix de Pastel in the 22nd IAPS exhibition.) His instructional videos are distributed by Paint Tube TV. schneiderart.com |
 | Loriann Signori IAPS-MC, PSASynchronicity: Skill + Taking Risks (WS10) Loriann Signori is a painter of luminosity. Her work is based in traditional methods and defined by colorist tendencies, yet her aims and methods undergo continual transformation. One thing stays consistent: the paintings are, essentially, an emotional interpretation of time and place. loriannsignori.com |
 | Jeanne Rosier Smith IAPS-EP, PSA, ASMAThe Intimate Ocean (DM302) A pastel painter and teacher for more than twenty years, Jeanne has exhibited in museums nationwide, is represented by nine galleries, and has work in collections on six continents. Jeanne paints landscapes in all seasons, but her seascapes are her best known and best-loved subject. jeannerosiersmith.com |
 | Fred Somers IAPS-EP, PSA-MP HFHBorders and Betweens (DM305) Fred has taught pastel, oil and watercolor workshops in the US and Sweden. He has been featured in the North Light Art Journey America: Landscapes, Art Journey America: Abstract and Pure Color: Best of Pastels, Artist's Magazine & Pastel Journal. fredericksomers.com |
 | Anne Strutz IAPS-MC, PSABreaking the Block (DM306) Anne graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA. She is a juried member of the Degas Pastel Society and has 15 years experience teaching and developing art curricula. She is a past president and workshop chair of the Piedmont Pastel Society. Anne's work has been featured in Pastel Journal where she is a frequent contributor. Her work pushes boundaries by infusing movement, energy and emotion into her work through various tools to manipulate the pastel. When teaching others, she challenges her students to think beyond technique to create more expressive art. annestrutzfineart.com |