CHERYL LECLAIR-SOMMER - Pastel

I've been interested in creating art since a young child. But other interests, a career in law, and raising a family kept me away from pursuing my creative talents. My desire to create was again sparked after purchasing a pastel landscape from a local artist.

Since 1988, painting in pastels has captured my creative spirit. The vast array of colors and the luminosity of pastels lure me into the creative process. Private studies, classes at community art centers, and workshops with nationally known pastellists have provided me with educational opportunities to help bring my artwork to a new level. I have joined a group of three pastel artists to concentrate on painting outdoors.

  "I find that working outdoors provides a greater connection between the subject and the artwork that photography cannot replicate."

My work has developed renewed vigor from working outdoors. My recent acceptance into the International Association of Pastel Societies exhibition in Raleigh, N.C., is an honor I'm very proud of. My future goals are to exhibit as a group with my fellow plein aire artists and to produce a solo exhibit.