Yellow House Artists present spring show 'Creative Expressions in Oil Pastel'

Posted April 14, 2015 11:00 pm

Submitted by Deann Alleman

Batavia artist Mike Lejcar's oil pastel and watercolor, titled, "Vase on Red Cloth" is on exhibit at "Creative Expressions in Oil Pastel" by Yellow House Artists. Courtesy of Yellow House Artists

Yellow House Artists, an organization of artists who work in oil pastel and/or oil stick, present their spring show, "Creative Expressions in Oil Pastel," from May 8-July 5 at the Holmstad Town Center Gallery, 700 W. Fabyan Pwy., Batavia.

On Friday, June 8, from 6 to 8 p.m., the artist's reception provides the opportunity to meet the exhibiting artists.

Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Artwork will be for exhibit and sale.

A special presentation, "The Artistry of Oil Pastel," will provide information about using the oil pastel medium, along with a gallery walk, from 1 to 2:15 p.m. Friday, June 12.

Participants will have the opportunity to see examples of oil pastel techniques, as well as learning interesting information about the paintings in the exhibit. Call (630) 879-4000 to register.

This show will feature original paintings by 16 participating artists including:

• Batavia: Michael Lejcar and Louise Rand

• Bartlett: Eve Sofferman

• Chicago: Jen Stanley

• Geneva: Mary Enck

• Glen Ellyn: Carol Gorman

• Hampshire: Lillian Pagni

• Hinsdale: Anne Marie Piemonte

• Oak Brook: Pat Tuglus

• Oswego: Dotti Matson

• Roselle: Beverly Miotke

• St. Charles: Rupali Kumbhani and Sandy Smith

• Sugar Grove: Deann Alleman

• Wheaton: Carol Kincaid

• Yorkville: Mary Hyatt

Yellow House Artists is a group of oil pastel artists who promote both their art and the medium. The group originated with 17 oil pastel artists who had a gallery in a yellow house during the 2007 St. Charles Fine Art Show. The group has since grown to include nearly 50 members who are interested in creating and showing their work as well as informing the public about the qualities of this little known medium. Members of Yellow House Artists use unique techniques, taking advantage of the special qualities of the medium. Oil pastels were developed in the 1940s at the request of Pablo Picasso. He wanted a medium with the qualities of oil but with ease of application and portability. Pure pigment is suspended in inert mineral oil, formed into sticks with a color palette much like oil paint. To the casual viewer the appearance of the round or square sticks may belie the serious artistic application of this medium. Colors can be layered and blended, smeared or smudged, using fingers, some type of tool, or left as applied, all at the artist's discretion.

The works are generally framed under glass to protect the surface image.

More information about the group and the medium can be found on their website, www.yellowhouseartists.com.

Bartlett artist Eve Sofferman's oil pastel work, "Golden Trees," will be part of the Yellow House Artists' spring show, "Creative Expressions in Oil Pastel," from May 8-July 5. Courtesy of Yellow House Artists

The oil pastel work, "La Spirito di Vino," by St. Charles artist Rupali Kumbhani, is on display at "Creative Expressions in Oil Pastel" by Yellow House Artists. Courtesy of Yellow House Artists

"Springtime," an oil pastel by Yorkville artist Mary Hyatt, is featured at the Yellow House Artists' exhibit, "Creative Expressions in Oil Pastel." Courtesy of Yellow House Artists

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