Additional forms to download
Everyone begins in the PSA as a General Member. Once a General Member has achieved a predetermined standard of pastel painting and has been a member of the society for two years, the member can then be awarded Master Pastellist status. This is an official process. There are certain responsibilities that a Master Pastellist assumes, such as providing ongoing assistance to General Members. Master Pastellists are available to provide critiques for members on request and are only too happy to answer your questions about soft pastels.
A definition of membership status is contained in the PSA Constitution.
A Master Pastellist is a PSA member with the Society’s accreditation that recognises the member’s significantly high standard of paintings as executed in the medium of pastels, and a sound skill base and knowledge. This accreditation is a most valuable achievement that will be recognised internationally and may be used in promoting the member’s own work as an artist.
Master Pastellists have their own monthly incentive competition.
The PSA asks that Master Pastellists contribute to the wellbeing of the group in very practical ways. The Society asks that Master Pastellists contribute to the encouragement, education and inspiration of the General Members:
Based on a dual premise of sharing and helpfulness, all in the Society will benefit from one another. As Master Pastellists deliver positive interaction and assistance to the Society as a whole, the entire community grows, improves and fosters an environment that begets creativity, inspiration, forward education and maturity. All this results in the achievement of excellence in our craft.
All applications for Master Pastellist status no matter what avenue is chosen by the applicant, will be processed by the PSA Committee. A panel of Master Pastellists will assess the applicant’s work, and will report back to the Committee for ratification of the award.
The applicant will be advised in writing of the outcome of the assessment. Successful applications will be announced by the President at the next General Meeting and in the next issue of the Newsletter.
Whichever avenue a General Member chooses (see below), the following guidelines will assist in the application:
Pastels submitted need to exhibit the following:
As a general rule, to apply for Master Pastellist status, a member needs to have been a financial member of the PSA Inc. for a period of two years. There may be applicants who, due to their outstanding artistic abilities are deemed in the eyes of the Committee, and in consultation with a selection of Master Pastellists, eligible to apply inside this time period.
If an applicant is a Committee member during the period when their application is made for Master Pastellist, that member may not participate in the decision-making process regarding their own application.
If an application is unsuccessful, the Society would encourage the member to re-apply in good time for the assessment in March.
PSA offers two options to achieve Master Pastellist status:
General Members are invited to choose the option that best suits their circumstances.
The applicant is assessed by a judging panel of Master Pastellists from the PSA Inc.
The applicant is to present to the Committee a PSA Master Pastellist Application form requesting assessment by PSA Master Pastellists.
The applicant is to present for assessment a total of six (6) paintings or professional quality images, not smaller than 25x20 cm (10x8 inch) with accompanying sizes of the originals, from a selection of four different genres:
All paintings must be the original uncopied work of the applicant, executed without the assistance of a tutor or other person and must be predominantly soft pastel.
Although this procedure is the responsibility of the applicant, all applications need to be submitted through the PSA Committee.
Applications will be received during the months of February, to be assessed within one month from the date of receipt by the Committee.
Any General Member may be nominated for consideration for Master Pastellist status by three (3) Master Pastellists from the PSA Inc. This is solely on the initiative of the Master Pastellists.
A Master Pastellist submits PSA Master Pastellist Nomination form to the Committee for a General Member to be considered for Master Pastellist status. Within the form or its attachments will be the supporting reasons for the nomination.
Upon receipt of the nomination, the Committee will appoint a panel of three Master Pastellists, not including the artist nominated, nor those nominating the artist, to review the application and report to the Committee.
Applications will be received during the months of February, to be assessed within one month from the date of receipt by the Committee.