On Saturday, March 21, fifteen members of the Arkansas Pastel Society gathered at St. James United Methodist Church in Little Rock for a day devoted to the Arkansas landscape.

Led by Susan Hurst and Clarence Cash, the “Arkansas Landscapes” mini-workshop combined art history, demonstration and hands-on painting. Clarence introduced the group to the Hudson River School and its approach to landscape painting, while Susan broadened the conversation to American landscape painting more generally. They also shared their own experiences painting the Arkansas landscape.

Participants were invited to work from their own reference photographs or from Clarence’s photos of the Buffalo River. Susan and Clarence each demonstrated a distinct technique for starting a painting.

Susan and Clarence shared their expertise with members as they worked on their own pieces. All agreed that it was a very fun and fruitful workshop!