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The International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) was founded in 1994 as a non-profit organization representing pastel societies worldwide uniting in the common cause to demonstrate the validity and quality of pastel fine art. This coming together of pastel societies provides a strong voice for pastel artists and the luminous medium of pastel. The foundation of IAPS is based on networking and sharing. Individual artists benefit and expand their knowledge through the IAPS Member Society of their choice.

Pastels Girault

Created in the golden age of pastels, Pastels Girault were quickly recognized for their qualities - qualities rarely found in one single product. Appreciated around the world from early on, it was only natural for Pastels Girault to be awarded medals at the universal Exhibitions in Paris. Since then, the manufacturing secrets have been passed down through the generations.

I am honored to be associated with their fine products and have worked with Pastels Girault to develop a starter set of portrait pastels which covers the basic tonal/color ranges for portraiture. I am also developing an accessory set to expand the starter set. Given the vast array of pastel colors available, I developed this set to take the guesswork out of the selection process for portraiture. 

The Pastel Girault "Gwenneth Barth-White Selection" can be purchased through the links below. I derive no benefit from the sales.

EUROPE:   GIRAULT PASTELS - GWENNETH BARTH-WHITE SELECTION

USA:   GIRAULT PASTELS - GWENNETH BARTH-WHITE SELECTION

Founded March 13, 1885, the Societe des Pastellistes de France is the oldest pastel society. 

Depuis 1984, la Société des Pastellistes de France attribuait jusqu'à ce jour, le titre de Maître Pastelliste, à des artistes, en reconnaissance de la qualité de leur travail, dans la durée.

La croisade de la Société des Pastellistes de France pour la reconnaissance du pastel a porté ses fruits ; les adeptes de cette technique sont de plus en plus nombreux ; inévitablement le niveau général s'est élevé. La Société des Pastellistes de France se doit d'exiger un niveau maximum. Etre accepté dans nos expositions est déjà un gage de qualité, mais par voie de conséquence, la nomination des « Maîtres » devient aussi plus exigeante.

Désormais, un Maître Pastelliste sera nommé pour la qualité de son travail, dans la durée. Il devra faire preuve d’une véritable démarche artistique personnelle, être un « chef de file », un « phare » qui apportera un plus à l'art du pastel. Ce titre est attribué aux artistes déjà exposants dans les salons de la Société des Pastellistes de France par un comité de sélection : artistes, critiques d'art, conservateur de musée …

Founded in 1972 by Flora B. Giffuni, The Pastel Society of America (PSA) - the oldest pastel society in America - is largely responsible for the current renaissance of pastels in American art. The society's annual exhibitions at The National Arts Club in New York are the premier event for pastel artists in this country and abroad. PSA encourages artistic advancement through prestigious awards distributed during its annual exhibitions.  Pastelists showing technical acumen and creative use of pastel techniques are awarded prizes for their achievements.  Members winning three cumulative awards are named PSA Master Pastelists.  Each year one noted artist is elected into PSA's Hall of Fame.