From crisply rendered reflections to richly textured sunsets, this year’s Enchanted Colors national pastel painting exhibition brings more than 100 pieces celebrating the depth and breadth of its namesake medium.
Hosted by the Pastel Society of New Mexico (PSNM), the juried exhibition returns to Albuquerque, New Mexico, this November. The Gala Opening Celebration and Awards Presentation kicks off the event on Friday, November 6, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Katherine Irish, A Luminous Twilight, pastel, 36 x 24 in.
Chairperson Nicholas Tesluk returns to the exhibition for his 14th year with a still life inspired by Octoberfest, as well as an architectural piece titled Castle Keep. Tesluk draws inspiration from his travels around the world, and this piece was inspired by a castle-like structure in Genoa, Italy.
“As I was conceiving the painting, I had the idea of showing a knight in shining armor guarding the castle and it came together really well,” Tesluk says. The artist focuses on story in all his paintings which are often focused on his heritage as well as his daily life in Edgewood, New Mexico, just off of Route 66.
John DeSpain, Marble Canyon Reflections, pastel, 16 x 20 in.
“The vibrant colors of pastel are wonderful,” he says. “Nothing beats pastel for the fact that what is put down is the way it will stay.” Tesluk says he gravitates toward the medium because the marks that are initially made remain the same over a long period time.
Figure painter Marilyn Drake returns with several pieces, one of which features a model who attended her weekly studio session. In Red Suede Boots, a young woman lounges in a classically 1990s outfit complete with choker and boots that seem to match her hair.
“The models who posed for these paintings always inspire me with their poses and attire,” Drake says. “Since these paintings are not meant to be portraits, hopefully people who seem them…will find their own way to connect with them as works of art.”
Marilyn Drake, Red Suede Boots, pastel, 16 x 12 in.
Drake praises the medium for both its variety and flexibility. “Working with pastel as the advantage of letting me draw directly from life,” she says. “The wide array of colors of my pastels allows for quick adjustments to shapes and values.”
In early 2025, the organization faced a dilemma as to where the show would be held. Former locations were struggling to accommodate such a large show for the desired length of time. “It left us with a bit of a quandary, as we normally like to know our national show locations often two years in advance,” Tesluk says.
Lin Boucher, Driver’s Seat, pastel, 18 x 14 in.
However, when it finally found its home in Albuquerque in the Fine Arts Building at EXPO New Mexico, members realized a unique opportunity to run each of their shows concurrently, rather than consecutively. Four of the building’s eight galleries will house Enchanted Colors, two of which feature general member artists while the other two feature signature member artists.
“Since joining PSNM I have volunteered for many positions… and even served as the chairperson for our national show when it was still being exhibited at Expo New Mexico,” Drake says. “I am really pleased that, after many years of being hosted at other venues, this year the show will return there again.”
Nicholas Tesluk, Castle Keep, pastel, 16 x 16 in.
When the PSNM was formed in 1989, interest in the medium was very low. But Tesluk says that their efforts along with those of the International Association of Pastel Societies have served to bring the medium up to the elite level of recognition it deserves. The show runs through November 29, and pieces will remain on display until the end of the exhibition.
“Through their efforts the society started to grow, and artists in New Mexico were able to see the beauty of pastel painting by attending these annual events,” Tesluk says. “PSNM is in our 34th year with this year’s show, and we hope to continue the tradition of introducing many more people of New Mexico and beyond to the wonder of pastel.” —
Pastel Society of New Mexico: Enchanted Colors
November 6-29, 2026
EXPO New Mexico
300 San Pedro Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108
www.pastelsnm.com
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