2023 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.

Click on any image to see award, size, and pricing information.

How to 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.

Top Three Award Winners

Best In Show

Sarah Miquelle, “Phragmites”

Juror’s Comments:

Having reviewed the panel of entries online, oh, maybe 50 times before I came to the Cape, this painting remained in my mind. When I walked into the room and actually was able to experience the incredible energy in this uplifting work I immediately knew it was going to be a top award winner. The vertical strokes, the determination of the artist to force me to move up through the painting only to make me stop dead in my visual tracks when my eye was caught by the bright turquoise marks on my visual journey upwards. Breaking all the rules by not using this color throughout the painting made those marks somewhat of a rebel with a cause. But it worked! By pushing the envelope with bright color and the force of directional strokes this piece was my top choice. Kudos are in order for creating this spectacular piece.

Award of Excellence

Eileen Casey, “Honesty in Ochre”

Juror’s Comments:

There is something to be said about judging a show in person verses judging for awards online. To be honest, I would not have given this painting a second thought until I walked into the room and stood face to face with it! The actual colors of this painting are incredibly beautiful with the use of muted complimentary colors that bring this composition to life! It is graphically well planned and is pleasing to the viewer and in its own way an impressionistic abstract. I’m glad I got to experience it “in the flesh” as they say. Congratulations!

Award of Honor

Maryann Mullett, “Double Vision”

Juror’s Comments:

The amazing patience of this artist is to be applauded! And tackling such a complicated subject is to be awarded! The optical illusions created in this work are nothing short of amazing and the capable hand that created this piece had no reservations on either this painting’s challenges. This remarkable painting, with what on the surface appears to be one of a limited palette is deep with richness and vibrancy. The emotion that arises in me when viewing this subject matter was not to be ignored. Thank you for creating this wonderful piece.

Read the juror’s comments for All Award winners here.

Award Winners