He gave us challenging exercises like the very last exercise, where we had to draw/paint from memory. We prepared our boards with two small sheets of paper, and selected a reference photo. He timed us, for five minutes we were to do nothing but stare at and study our photo. So we literally spent five minutes “seeing” our photo before doing anything else. Then we drew for five minutes from our memory only. We looked for another five minutes, then again worked from memory. O

With bittersweet sadness, we had to say goodbye to CPPS member, Tom Nicholas. At the last meeting, CPPS announced that they will be giving a memorial scholarship to his daughter, Susan Nicholas Gephart, to support her event: the May 2016 Hameau Farm Studio Artist Retreat's Mentor Day. This scholarship will provide an artistic opportunity for three teens to attend Hameau to study alongside adult artists. Susan appreciates this wonderful gift.

Jeanne's painting "Long Lane Vista - Amish Farm" was accepted into the Shirt Factory Gallery Adirondack National Pastel Exhibition 2015 in Glen Falls, New York.

Marrianne's painting, "Elements 5", has been accepted into the Pastel Society of America's upcoming show in New York City. The show, "Enduring Brillance", will run from September 8-26, 2015. We were told at the meeting that her last year's entry had won an award and had also been sold. Congratulations!

Susan will be teaching a one-day adult en plein air pastel and oil workshop at Millbrook Marsh on August 15, 2015. She will also be teaching at Hameau in October. Susan will be sharing supplies, such as pastels, that are provided by her national sponsors with the participants of her workshops. Contact Susan if you are interested in attending either of these workshops: snicholasart@gmail.com

Donna Mitchell, Artist 1210 Stratford Drive, Carlisle, PA 17013 717-258-0459 DonnakArt@aol.com www.DonnaMitchellPastels.com Donna Mitchell is an artist who works primarily in the pastel medium. She has been rooted in traditional realism since her early days of childhood. Her subjects are very diversified, yet she is most passionate toward portraiture of both people and pets. She creates custom commissioned portrait paintings from life and/or from reference photographs

On August 20, CPPS president, Marianne Fyda, will give the closing demonstration and talk for the participants at the Al'Art Luncheon at SAMA Ligonier. Members of PPAL gave pastel demos at the June and July luncheons. The show will close on August 23. Pickup dates for artist work are August 25-27, 2015. Marianne announced at the meeting that Suzanne DeSarbo is willing to pick up paintings, but people need to email her to make arrangements beforehand. chrissue1@aol.com