Pastel Podcast Episode 14: Shirley Anderson

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Kari Stober
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Pastel Podcast Episode 14: Shirley Anderson

From Science Lab to Pastel Studio: A Conversation with Incoming IAPS President Shirley Anderson

What do a crime lab, AT&T, and pastel landscapes have in common? They’re all part of Shirley Anderson’s remarkable story. After a high-powered career in chemistry, pharmaceutical quality control, and senior project management, Shirley retired, moved to Arkansas, and discovered her true calling in pastel. Today, she’s a full-time landscape artist, co-founder of the Arkansas Pastel Society, recipient of the IAPS Gold Mentor Award, and the incoming president of the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS). In this episode, Shirley sits down with hosts Kari Stober and Lisa Skelly to talk about her unexpected journey, the power of local pastel societies, and what’s ahead for IAPS — including the end of one era and the exciting beginning of another.

Key Topics Covered

  • How a left-brain scientist discovered pastel and never looked back
  • Taking her first art lessons alongside ten-year-olds — and losing all sense of time
  • Studying with Pastel Society of America president Christina DeBerry and the power of still life as a foundation
  • Why drawing is the essential foundation for all painting (even abstracts)
  • How Richard McKinley helped her embrace representational but loose, impressionistic work
  • Book recommendation: Drawing on the Right Side of Your Brain by Betty Edwards
  • Founding the Arkansas Pastel Society in 2004 with just 12 people — now 60+ members
  • What IAPS is, how it works, and why local societies matter so much to individual artists
  • The 2026 IAPS Convention: 600+ registrants, the “candy store” vendor expo, and why this will be the last one with this footprint
  • What’s next for IAPS: smaller, society-highlighted events, 2027 in New Mexico, expanded grants, web shows, and new honors levels

Timestamps

0:00 – Welcome & host updates: the Plein Air Convention in the Ozarks; Lisa’s upcoming pastel workshop with Rosemary & Co. in Yorkshire, England

2:36 – Introducing Shirley Anderson: scientist, project manager, pastelist, incoming IAPS president

3:53 – Shirley’s career story: crime lab, pharmaceutical QC, AT&T senior project manager

8:00 – Discovering pastel during her final year of work in New Jersey — alongside ten-year-olds

10:00 – Studying with PSA president Christina DeBerry; still life as the ultimate drawing foundation

12:30 – Scholarship to a Ben Connis workshop; the shift from still life to landscapes

14:00 – Why drawing is the foundation for everything — even abstract painting

20:00 – Richard McKinley’s influence and breaking free from left-brain perfectionism

24:00 – Book rec: Drawing on the Right Side of Your Brain

26:00 – Founding the Arkansas Pastel Society in 2004; 20th anniversary celebrations

30:00 – What is IAPS? A nonprofit founded in 1994 to unite pastel societies worldwide

33:00 – The 2026 IAPS Convention: history, scale, the “candy store,” and what to expect

37:00 – IAPS is evolving, not ending: 2027 New Mexico event, expanded grants, web shows, new honors

42:00 – How to get involved: join a local pastel society and connect through IAPS

Resources & Links

If Shirley’s journey from scientist to pastel artist inspired you, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and watch the full episode on YouTube. And if you haven’t found your local pastel society yet — now’s the time. Head to iapspastel.org to find one near you. Until next time, stay vibrant!

Follow & Subscribe

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, or watch the full video on YouTube to see Greg’s work and the billboard print he keeps on his desk. 🎨

Rate, review, and share — it helps more pastel lovers find the show!

Until next time — stay vibrant!


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