Barbara Groff
This artist catches the Ruth Richeson Award (a 354-piece set of Unison pastels) with a dramatic and texture-rich floral still life.
By Sarah A. Strickley

Brian Cobble
The artist wins The Pastel Journal Grand Prize award of $2,500 for his artful response to a desolate streetscape in New Orleans.
By Jane Durrell

Bill James
Well known for portraits, here the artist flexed his landscape muscle and won Art Spirit Gold—a $1,500 cash prize.
By Jessica Canterbury

Diana De Santis
A contemplative portrait wins this artist the Art Spirit Foundation Silver Medal award—a cash prize of $1,000.
By Tom Zeit

Pastel 100 Category Winners
Portrait & Figure By Deborah Secor

Landscape & Interior By Michael Chesley Johnson

Still Life & Floral By Robert K. Carsten

Abstract & Non-Objective By Christine Proskow

Animal & Wildlife By Michelle Taute

Meet the Jurors By Anne Hevener
Introductions to the five distinguished artists who made our category selections this year.

Special Report: The Best Bang for Your Buck
What big-ticket items offer the best return, creatively speaking, on one's investment? Eight artists share their picks—the list might surprise you.
By Deborah Secor

Columns
Art Matters
An arts guild shares its story. Plus, Creative Spark contest news.
Edited by Jessica Canterbury

Painting Spot
Finding inspiration on the Emerald Isle.
By Urania Christy Tarbet