Pastel Society | Annual Exhibition 2026
The 127th Annual
Exhibition
of the
Pastel Society
DIRECT
TOUCH
Key Dates
Submissions open: Monday 18 August 2025, 12 noon
Submissions close: Friday 14 November, 12 noon
Notification of selection: Friday 28 November, 12 noon
Receiving Day (if selected): Saturday 10 January 2026,
10am to 5pm
Private View (invite only): Tuesday 20 January, 5pm to 8pm, official opening at 6:30pm
Exhibition opens: Wednesday 21 January, 10am to 5pm daily
Exhibition closes: Saturday 31 January, 5pm
Collection of unsold work: Thursday 5 February,
10am to 5pm
To view the Mall Galleries Federation of British Artists Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAyqHNAlfMM
Interview with Caran d'Ache CEO, Carole Hübscher
Caran d'Ache are Sponsors of the Pastel Society
THE ReMARK November 2025
On November 14 1969, Apollo 12, the second mission to land on the moon, was launched. On the 14 November this month, entries close on your chance to either launch your exploration into pastel and dry media or to continue the journey to wider horizons.
I have visited a few exhibitions this year and the number of pastel paintings shown can be counted on the fingers of one hand. The Pastel Society is here to encourage & promote this medium and its ‘Direct Touch.’ There is still time and we want to see the work of the potential new members of the Pastel Society, whether young or older.
And speaking of members and the promised Members’ Guide, just as when you think a painting is finished, another thought pops into your head and another deadline comes and goes. The Members’ Guide will always be a document that adapts to a changing world but soon it will be sent out to all members and be available to prospective new members before going on the website. It will help to understanding how the society works, whether you do not know or for those who occasionally forget.
The new website progresses well, but we don’t want to change over until the exhibition is over. Not worth the risk!
In the coming months, The ReMark will essentially be about the 2026 exhibition and what is going on. So even if you are not entering, simply too young to enter or just want to know what is going on to plan a visit, we will begin to highlight some of the activities we have lined up for all ages. So please spread the word.
On a personal note, I am thrilled to know that we have at least a handful of ReMark followers. Ron Best sent us two images which are below. Ron says ‘regarding the self-portrait ‘Oh No! They're Coming to Stay!’ the inspiration for this was a talk we had at my local art society. In choosing a title, various possibilities were suggested… a friend suggested an impending and unwelcome visit from (not-so-close) friends might be apposite, and so it seems! We have also selected some work sent to us by Bill Truslove. Bill, who is a member of the South Australian Pastel Society and who is writing an article on the Pastel Society for a local publication, contacted us for advice. It is nice to hear from other societies from time to tie and we will hopefully publish the article later.
Send your images to us by the 24 November 2025 to info.thepastelsociety@gmail.com for the next ReMark
Good painting and keep the submissions coming for DIRECT TOUCH, PS Annual Exhibition 2026 to the Mall Galleries. Deadline 14th November 2025.
Simon B. Hodges VPPS
Featured Artist
Felicity House PS NEAC
Felicity is a professional artist, known for her still life paintings, domestic interiors, portrait drawings and landscapes made on location in Dorset or on travels abroad. She is an elected member of the New English Art Club and The Pastel Society and her work can be seen each year in their Annual Exhibitions held at the Mall Galleries in central London.
Work:
I work primarily in pastel which links colour with drawing and is immediate, fresh and vibrant. Subject matter frequently dictates the medium – I may draw in ink or use watercolours, pastels or oil paints.
Drawing is fundamental to my work. Instinctively searching for lines and shapes that interest me most I make drawings and paintings directly from the subject with a fresh eye and lively hand. I enjoy the challenge of working to the inevitable boundary of time. Editing intuitively and responding with spontaneous expressive marks to create a vital equivalent.
I am inspired by travel and new places but equally respond to domestic subject matter; intriguing arrangements and complex interiors are a fascination and of course the ultimate challenge of figures and portraits.
Studio works are developed from my collection of sketchbook drawings or studies made en plein air, evoking the essence of a subject by exploring mark, pigment and support.
Sponsored by Caran d'Ache
The Pastel Society is a Registered Charity. Number 296479
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