Pastel Artist Honoured in Upcoming Exhibitions

Following the success of the 2007 'Japanese Experience’ exhibition at the Mechanics Hall in Moruya, Eurobodalla Council invited the South Coast Pastel Society to make it a fixture in the ‘Going Public’ programme, that is, celebrate a different country every year. in 2008 that country was Italy.

‘An Italian Experience’ presented a spectrum of exciting images in different mediums inspired by the lifestyle, culture and history of Italy. President, Lyn Woolridge said at the time, “we hope to capture the exuberance of Italian society and delight the viewers senses with our artworks”.

The society has adopted a very professional approach to the exhibition. Artworks were and continue to be selected by an independent panel and professionally curated. Monetary prizes are awarded for the ‘Best Artwork’ in any medium and ‘Best Pastel’, with a ‘Viewers Choice’ prize for the most popular painting and a balloted ‘Voter’s Prize’. 

In 2007 the ‘Pastel Prize’ was won by Society stalwart, Eric Kirkland. Sadly Eric has since passed away. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to pastel painting, the society has decided to call the ‘Best Pastel’ prize the ‘Eric Kirkland Pastel Prize’.

Eric Kirkland with "Ginger and Fred"

Eric brought a sureness of hand and an acute sense of observation to his art, helped in part by his background as a signwriter. He originally painted in oils, but on retiring to Batemans Bay with wife Audrey in 1987, he discovered pastels, and joined the fledging pastel society in 1990.

The pastel medium suited Eric and his painting went from strength to strength, winning him many art prizes. He was also very prolific. Fellow artist and friend Eunice Coles says, “On Tuesday morning ‘paint-outs’ Eric would complete two paintings to every one of mine”.

Society members also remember Eric’s generosity, sharing his knowledge and helping others develop their skills and understanding of pastel painting. At one time he was president of the society.

Eric Kirkland with "Singing in the Rain"

Lyn says, “So many of us benefited from knowing Eric. Not only was he a great artist but he had a great personality and great sense of humour as well. Naming the prize after Eric is one way we can acknowledge his contribution and remember him in a way I am sure he and his family would appreciate”.

Audrey Kirkland has been and continues to be invited to make the presentation of the award to the winning pastel artist. She says, “Eric would have been honoured by the prize being named after him”.

In 2009 the South Coast Pastel Society Exhibition theme was The Celtic Experience, and to read more on the event click here. If you would like to learn more about the South Coast Pastel Society, contact President Lyn Woolridge on +61 (0)2 4471 3056.