2021 For Pastels Only

“For Pastels Only on Cape Cod” is Pastel Painters Society of Cape Cod’s (PPSCC) premier juried show and sale, and features paintings by nationally-recognized contemporary artists with a wide range of artistic styles and subjects, including coastal scenes, still life, and figurative work.

Top Three Award Winners

Best In Show

Maryann Mullett, “Not Everything is Black and White”

Judge’s Comments:

This striking painting of zebras is a tour de force of technique and design. The painting seems to move as we look at it as our eyes follow the stripes the expand and contract in size like a slinky. We feel as though we are close in to the herd, yet able to see the subtlest changes of light, texture, and color on the surfaces of fur and skin. There is unity in the herd as a whole with this wide format, as well as individual nuances that let us enjoy each zebra separately. It’s a fun painting to explore from nose to tail, and we as viewers can enjoy witnessing right along with the artist. A beautifully executed painting!

Award of Excellence

Corey Pitkin, “Seated Nude”

Judge’s Comments:

This small painting is packed with enormous mastery of the pastel medium. It appears effortlessly executed, yet demonstrates an exquisite handling of light and shadow, color, and form. The subject has such presence that we find ourselves wanting to know more about the model. The way the background is broken into simple dark and light horizontal intervals beautifully compliments the description of her skin and weight. Detail is delivered with minimum description, and the design is elegant.

Award of Honor

Alex Kasyan, “Morgan”

Judge’s Comments:

This classical portrait is executed with such loving attention that the viewer senses the quietpresence of this young man. Every inch breathes with nuance and subtlety, andsublimely illustrates the magic of pastel medium to capture the feeling of light and shadow on youthful skin, hair, and clothing. There is also a mystery to the portrait that beckons us to want to know more about this person.

Award Winners

How to Purchase

All pastels in the show are available for purchase. If you see a painting online you like, call the Cultural Center of Cape Cod at 508-394-7100 and reference the “For Pastels Only” exhibit. Be prepared to tell them the name of the painting, artist, and price.

Read the judge’s comments for all of the above Award winners here.

How to Purchase

All pastels in the show are available for purchase. If you see a painting online you like, call the Cultural Center of Cape Cod at 508-394-7100 and reference the “For Pastels Only” exhibit. Be prepared to tell them the name of the painting, artist, and price.