Board Members
PSWC Board Members are the backbone of the Society. They volunteer their time, talent, and efforts to support the mission of the Society to promote pastel arts and education. We are always looking for additional volunteers to take on Board positions. Training and lots of encouragement is given free of charge! Contact any board member for more information.
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Pamela Comfort
PRESIDENT AND OUT OF BOUNDS! CO-CHAIR
I am honored and humbled to be serving as the President of the PSWC. In this role, I have the opportunity to work on a volunteer basis with many talented, dedicated and generous other volunteers. My goal is to support the society in maintaining its highly regarded status among pastel artists, to support those artists in the ongoing development of their work, and to support our mission of promoting the pastel medium through education and outreach.
Along with maintaining many of the strong programs already underway, we have added some additional features in the past year. We have also continued to expand our Regional Representatives program in order to increase face-to-face interaction among our members in various locales. The popular PSWC Magazine has continued to feature our annual shows, along with a variety of artist showcases and educational articles.
In addition to serving as President, I chair the Scholarship Program, one of the ways we support students planning a career in art, and oversee the Regional Representatives Program.
My background is in the field of education. I earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Organizational Management, and retired from my position as Deputy Superintendent of Schools for Contra Costa County in 2018.
I discovered after retiring that I loved the immediacy and tactile satisfaction of working with pastels. I am a juried associate member of the Pastel Society of America, an associate member of the California Art Club, and also a member of several local art associations. I love to travel, and aspire to create art that communicates a strong sense of nature, culture and place. In addition to painting and travel, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends boating on the lake near our home in the Sierra foothills.
Lynn Attig
VICE PRESIDENT AND PASTELS USA CHAIR
I’ve always had a magical connection with pastels, probably because my parents were both pastel artists. Growing up in rural Washington state, I would often find myself sitting in the tall grass with a sketchpad and pencil, my horses grazing beside me. Even though I ventured into a two-decade-long career in writing and marketing communications (yep, I was the press agent for Morris the 9-Lives Cat!) I’ve always felt like an artist at heart.
In my paintings, I seek to share the beauty of the Western lifestyle, landscapes, and livestock. When my family acquired a horse and cattle ranch on the California Central Coast 15 years ago, it allowed me to immerse myself in the subjects I love. It is my ultimate joy to share my passion for pastels with others. That’s why I’m thrilled to be the exhibition chair for PSWC’s “Pastels USA: 99 Voices.” The other hats I wear (besides a cowgirl hat!) are co-founder and president emerita of the Pastel Society of Southern California; founder and exhibition chair of “Rejoice in Art;” and a juried member of the Pastel Society of America.
lynnattigfineart.com/
Bonnie Griffith
SECRETARY AND OUT OF BOUNDS! CO-CHAIR
Bonnie paints the western landscape using the rich pigments of pastels and oils to create paintings that have the brilliance and bold color characteristic of these mediums. Working in a representational yet impressionistic approach, she tells a story with her paintings; one that will resonate with the viewer from their own viewpoint.
“I am drawn to these mediums because they allow my best representation of the landscape with the brilliant pigments creating texture, light and mood in my paintings. My goal is to create works that draws the viewer in; allowing them to use their senses to experience the time of day, the warmth or coolness, the message of the painting – for themselves, to merely “get lost” in the work, experience it and make it their own. If that happens, then I have done my job.”
Bonnie grew up in north central Montana on a ranch near the Missouri Breaks. Early on she experienced the rugged country, the big skies, the vegetation of this landscape mostly from the back of a horse. Memorable childhood vacations included trips to Glacier Park to enjoy the sharp contrasts of the landscape from central Montana. These trips continued through the years and painting some of the views of the park has been part of those experiences. Her parents were ranchers; her mother a talented visual artist; her father a musician. Art appreciation came early and studying the affects of light on the landscape and the colors were imprinted deep. She declared at an early age that she was an artist and that carried through along with a career in the medical arena until she began painting full time in the mid 1990’s.
Bonnie has studied with several instructors such as Lorenzo Chavez, Robert Moore, Ned Mueller and others in developing her work. She works mostly en plein air taking every opportunity to paint from life. “My work turned the proverbial corner once I started painting seriously from life. You learn to see better, to capture light accurately and express yourself differently when working from photo. I do studio work as well, often with the aid of plein air studies.”
The artist is a current resident of southwestern Idaho and spends significant time in MT and UT painting throughout the year. She participates in numerous plein air events in the western US, judges competitions and offers workshops in pastel techniques, both studio and plein air. Her work is represented by galleries in MT, ID, OR and WA. Collectors include corporate and private throughout the US, Canada and Australia. Bonnie’s work can be seen on her website Instagram – @bonniezahngriffith and her Facebook page Bonnie Griffith Landscape Artist.
Deborah Pepin
TREASURER
I have always done some sort of art, starting in grammar school. As life happens, I grew up, started a family and career and put all the art on hold.
In 1998 I got really sick and went undiagnosed until 2001. Unable to work any longer, I finally got a diagnoses of Multiple Sclerosis. My professional career ended, and the kids were grown and out of the house. I picked up a paint brush, took a class and I firmly believe that ART saved my life.
When beginning a painting, I usually look for a concept to portray and then a mood of the painting is established. I do think of paintings as a form of language. It is a way to communicate that crosses over written or spoken words. It enters a visual understanding. It is at this time that the viewer can perceive a story or a mood depending on interpretation. Because of this, it is most rewarding when someone else makes a connection to one of my paintings.
As an artist, I have tried multiple mediums, but pastels have been my greatest enjoyment and challenge. Pastels are so versatile that I am continually discovering new approaches to their use, application, and presentation. Pastels have a never-ending variety of applications and it is stirring to discover a new aspect of the medium. Artists such as Margot Schulzke, Anita Wolff, Richard McKinley, Waif Mullins, Alain Picard, and the late Bob Gerbracht have each been wonderful mentors.
It has been an honor to have my work judged and selected for awards by distinguished artists and judges of distinction, including the curators of art for the Crocker Art Museum (Sacramento, CA), Oakland Museum of California, and the Haggin Museum (Stockton, CA).
I am a member of Pastel Society of the West Coast, Pastel Society of Oregon, Placer Arts/Placer Artists League, and Sacramento Fine Arts/Northern California Arts (NCA).
Master Artist – Sacramento Fine Arts/NCA
Signature Artist – Pastel Society of the West Coast
Signature Artist, Sierra Pastel Society
My studio is located within the Packing Shed Studios in Newcastle, California.
Francesca Droll
PSWC MAGAZINE EDITOR
It’s an honor to be associated with PSWC and all it represents and provides for the pastel community.
I’m primarily a plein air painter inspired by the landscapes of Montana, the west coast, and the southwest deserts. I relish in painting in the outdoors and feel more spiritually connected to the landscape being present in it. I also work in my studio, recreating larger works from my onsite studies as well as exploring a range of still life setups.
Pastels are my chosen medium. They allow me the ability to use bold flourishing strokes as well as subtle blending to convey mood and motion in the composition. Pastels encourage my exploration of vibrant and colorful expression. With my deep connection to landscapes, I’m endlessly inspired to discover and become familiar with the variations and nuances of the scenes before me.
Plein air painting informs my work with an accurate view of the natural world, much more so than painting from photographs. That’s why I put up with the weather, the bugs, the wind, and the inconvenience while painting on location. The sense of bliss I feel in viewing a scene bathed in light and shadow is what I hope to convey to the viewer. If a work of art can foster connectivity with the viewer, it becomes more than art, it becomes a captivating experience.
My background includes 35 years as a graphic designer running an intimate design studio, Abacus Graphics, with my husband and partner, John R. Webster. I just retired in 2022 and am looking forward to devoting much more time and energy to painting. We are located in Bigfork, Montana, on the northeast shore of Flathead Lake.
Sabrina Hill
BOARD MEMBER AT-LARGE
A little about me–my dining room is my studio and now my “Oval Office” as well. My pastel tray is currently resting on a notebook with all the interviews for the next PSWC Magazine. Being amidst the family activities makes me feel connected and inspired. It also allows me to put on a pot of spaghetti sauce and stir it between brush strokes and emails! I imagine many great artists had the smell of linseed oil and garlic in their studios!
In addition to working on PSWC projects and my own endeavors, I take commissions in a variety of subject matter from fine art pet portraits to calligraphy. I teach Beginning Art classes in a retirement community (not mine…yet) and calligraphy at Paper Source in Northern and Southern California and through my local library system.
I live in Northern California with my high school sweetheart and husband of over 33 years, David, our three grown children and two lovely dogs.
Jean Myers
WORKSHOP COORDINATOR
Jean Myers is a fine artist in Southern California whose interest is in exploring light and color. She has a Bachelor of Fine Art from Colorado State University and holds Signature Membership in the PSWC. Jean’s creativity was nurtured growing up in Missouri with animals and nature in abundance. She spent her summers swimming in lakes and riding horses. Jean paints outdoors when she can and that is an ongoing pursuit that gives her great joy. She believes that there is nothing like standing in nature and observing beauty with great focus for several hours, because it changes one for the better.
Jan Miller
CHAIR of MEMBER STATUS
It has been said that painting is a journey. As artists, each of us is on a personal trek of expression. I use my art to show my views and visual perspectives of the world. I work in dry pastels, focusing on the beauty that is around us. As an artist I hope to pass along the world of pastel painting through my art and teaching others through art classes. I find it rewarding to be the first to introduce a beginner to pastels, and both rewarding and challenging when I have the opportunity to work alongside the experienced painter.
When beginning a painting, I usually look for a concept to portray and then a mood of the painting is established. I do think of paintings as a form of language. It is a way to communicate that crosses over written or spoken words. It enters a visual understanding. It is at this time that the viewer can perceive a story or a mood depending on interpretation. Because of this, it is most rewarding when someone else makes a connection to one of my paintings.
As an artist, I have tried multiple mediums, but pastels have been my greatest enjoyment and challenge. Pastels are so versatile that I am continually discovering new approaches to their use, application, and presentation. Pastels have a never-ending variety of applications and it is stirring to discover a new aspect of the medium. Artists such as Margot Schulzke, Anita Wolff, Richard McKinley, Waif Mullins, Alain Picard, and the late Bob Gerbracht have each been wonderful mentors.
It has been an honor to have my work judged and selected for awards by distinguished artists and judges of distinction, including the curators of art for the Crocker Art Museum (Sacramento, CA), Oakland Museum of California, and the Haggin Museum (Stockton, CA).
I am a member of Pastel Society of the West Coast, Pastel Society of Oregon, Placer Arts/Placer Artists League, and Sacramento Fine Arts/Northern California Arts (NCA).
Master Artist – Sacramento Fine Arts/NCA
Signature Artist – Pastel Society of the West Coast
Signature Artist, Sierra Pastel Society
My studio is located within the Packing Shed Studios in Newcastle, California.
SA Kushinka
CHAIR of Members Only Online Show (MOOS)
A fellow painter recently described to me what he felt was “the mysterious lure of the dusty easel”. I had to agreed that sometimes it feels like this luminous medium we’ve chosen puts us in somewhat of a secret society. As such, I was thrilled to discover the PSWC and the opportunities and fellowship found within it. And when skillfully recruited by our wonderful Madam President, I was happy to volunteer as a way of supporting this organization (although I’m not entirely sure what I’m in for!).
Artistically, my goal is to capture as much light and beauty as possible with as few marks as possible to create a feeling of spontaneity within the permanence of a painting. It feels like a long journey but the quest itself brings a bubbling pot of hope, challenge, learning, joy and meaning into my life. The dusty easel has become a haven for me in times of turmoil. Based in San Francisco, my husband and I also spend several months on Kauai and in Italy each year, and these places have greatly influenced what and how I paint.
Kim Essex
SCHOLARSHIP CHAIR
Kim is two years into her pastel journey. She started painting after retiring from a career in public relations and moving to Valencia, Spain, with her husband Sean and dog Trax. For many years, she put becoming a pastelist on her goal list post-work and family life. She says she hopes she has artistic genes; her mother, aunt, brother, niece and grandfather were all artists. She is a student of Marla Baggetta and is taking drawing classes in a studio in Valencia, along with attending workshops wherever she goes. She and her husband travel quite a bit, having ‘used’ Spain as a gateway to see Italy, Turkey, Morocco, Tanzania, Portugal and England so far. Sweden, Switzerland and Croatia are on the list for the rest of 2025.
They also return to the States frequently to check in on aging parents in Atlanta and Denver and their kids Manny (21) and Elena (25) who live in Key West, FL, and Denver, respectively. Kim grew up in the Chicago-land area and raised her family in Denver. She has a journalism degree from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. She believes everyone should surround themselves with original art as it reminds us of our shared humanity and the beauty within. She hopes to be, in a small way, a catalyst for more people owning art. She does not yet have a website, but Pam has told her she needs one.☺
Delcee Comfort Fields
WEBMASTER
I am the proud sister of our PSWC President, Pamela Comfort. On one of our travel adventures we were talking about the work that is required to support the pastel society, and having recently retired from 30+ years of managing IT (Information Technology) services I offered my expertise to refresh the PSWC website.
It was a nice challenge to learn some new applications, and I especially enjoy viewing all the paintings by this society’s talented artists.