Pastels from the Butler’s Collection

December 18, 2022-February 26, 2023

Pastels as a viable and popular art medium can be traced back to the Impressionist era of the 1860s. Its immediacy has an appeal to artists who work in natural light, unlike oil paint that requires so much time to set. Pastel is a challenging medium to handle, requiring an ability to put the exact amount of pressure on the pastel stick to gain the desired look.

The Butler’s pastel collection has grown significantly in recent years.  This is due primarily to the creation of the Heritage Program donation, provided annually to the Butler from the Pastel Society of America. Many of the most talented pastel artists’ works have entered the collection as a result of this unique project.  Many other pastels were added through the years by purchase and as gifts.

Alan Flattman (1946-)

Tornado Brass Band 2010

Pastel on paper

24” x 30”

Gift of the artist 2011 from the PSA Legacy Collection

2011.040

Over a career span of more than forty years, Alan Flattmann has become recognized as one of the most influential and respected pastel artists in the country.  He is a Pastel Society of America’s Hall of Fame honoree and is an Eminent Pastelist in the International Association of Pastel Societies.

©Alan Flattman