From Diane's daughter , Liz:

"On Tuesday August 18th, my Mom, Diane, passed away. We held her hands as she went, she was surrounded by love both in person and in spirit.

Her life was filled with creative joy, and energy. Pieces of her art are scattered throughout the country and globe.

Her legacy will continue through the Artist in Residence program at Ghost Ranch, Estudio Corazón. She created the residency in the middle of Covid and since then over 100 artists have experienced the beauty, serenity and creative energy of Ghost Ranch. She loved organizing the monthly sessions, creating community and shared passion across the participants.

Diane had a way of creating communities around her wherever she went. On every trip we went on together, she made friends. She kept in contact with them for years. Whether it was people we met on the beach or the French houseboat captain on the Seine, she kept her community. There are so many of you that she loved, we couldn’t possibly remember everyone to call personally. So if this is how you are finding out, we are truly sorry.

We will be posting information on memorials and a memorial service soon. If you need to celebrate her life right now, please take the time to create something small for yourself and remember Diane’s creative and loving spirit."

Such devastating news for our art community. Our hearts go out to her family.

"Sunset Sunburst"

Sold to the Booth Museum of Western Art.

2025 17th National Juried Members Show, Artist Member Honorable Mention, Diane Arenberg

Along the Old Ranch Road

Read More here: https://www.outdoorpainter.com/a-guide-to-plein-air-painting-at-the-break-of-dawn/

Excellent article and useful too!!

Congratulations to PAPNM Member, Rachel Pearson, for her award in the prestigious SALON sponsored by Plein Air Magazine: June 2nd Place Overall. This event has become a true international contest.

Our very ow PAPNM Master Artist, Peggy Immel, was the judge.

https://pleinairsalon.com/june-2026-awards/

 

Other June 2026 Finalists

PAPNM Master Artist Jane Hunt, Autumn Aspens (Western)

PAPNM Master Artist Jane Hunt, Into the West (Nocturne)

PAPNM Master Artist Jane Hunt, A Sweeping Western Light ( Landscape)

An invitation to a solo exhibition of works by Tom Blazier

Tom Blazier will have a solo exhibition and sales of his oil paintings at Legends of the West Fine Art September 5 to 21. An artist's reception will be 4 - 6 p.m. September 5. The show will include small and large sky-themed paintings. Legends of the West Fine Art is at 102 E. Water Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501. All are invited to attend. For more information about Tom Blazier and his work, please visit the website: www.tomblazier.com    

What: Tom Blazier solo exhibition artist’s reception

When: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m, Saturday, September 5 (show runs to Sept. 21)

Where: Legends of the West Fine Art, 102 E. Water Street, Santa Fe NM

Cost: Free

Current and upcoming events for PAPNM Master Artist, Jane Hunt:

- Illume Gallery West, Treasures of the West, Phillipsburg, MT - Briscoe Night of Artists Small Works Sale, Briscoe Museum, TX - Russell Museum Auction, Russell Museum, Great Falls, MT - Brinton Museum, Bighorn Rendezvous, Bighorn, WY - Arteva India Exhibition, Principle Gallery, Charleston, SC - Denver Art Museum, Flourishing Through the Arts and Sciences - Small Works, Great Wonders, National Cowboy Museum, OK - Legacy Gallery Small Works Show, Scottsdale, AZ - Steamboat Art Museum Exhibition, Steamboat Springs For dates, and full listings please click here

From Master PAPNM Artist, Peggy: "Two or three times a year the town of Taos posts banners of the work of local artists who submit their work to the arts call that is put on by the Taos Arts Council. It’s such a wonderful thing for the town and the Arts Council to do and I always love seeing the work of so many of our local artists celebrated this way. It is such an honor to have my work included in the 2026 spring/summer banners. It’s at the corner of Paseo de Pueblo Norte and Bent Street across from the Taos Inn."

Is your poster being shown also?  Send a note to karen.halbert@gmail.com if so.

PAPNM MEMBERS at IAPS, Tobi Clement and Natasha Isenhour, at the last biennual celebration of the International Association of Pastel Societies. 

The Annual banquet on Saturday the 20th honored Albert Handell!! (Images for Tobi and Natasha to follow).

Albert Handell RECEIVED 2 AWARDS From Albert: "I was inducted into their Master's Circle group. The other award was a complete surprise. I was given a "Distinguished Service to Pastel Award In honor of my unwavering enthusiasm, support, and dedication to the International Association of Pastel Societies and the Fine Art Medium of Pastel". It was presented by my friend, fellow Artist and President of IAPS, Richard McKinley, and it was a pleasant surprise. Linda knew I was to get this and didn't say a word.

For more information: https://www.pastelsnm.com/event/234573/2026-international-association-of-pastel-societies-iaps-biennial-convention

Congratulations to PAPNM Members, Carole Belliveau, Phyllis Gunderson and Linda Wells.  (See Linda's work below). 

See the entire show HERE

including works by Carole and Phyllis

From Linda: "I am so honored to have “The Flirt” judged into this international competition.  Thank you Karen Vernon for introducing me to this organization.

Dear Linda C Wells,

Congratulations! We're delighted to share that your artwork, listed below, has been selected for inclusion in the

Studio Texas' International Online Competition 2026.

Studio Texas is an arts community that nurtures creativity, supports professional art practices and builds community through education and exhibitions. It is located in Brenham, Tx and has events and paint-outs at different locations."

“The Flirt”,

Oil 30” x 15”

PAPNM Member, Carla Forrest, gave a presentation to the Pastel Society of NM last week on July 11: Thank you, Carla, for sharing this amazing presentation. A lot of food for thought in this new Renaissance Age. We can become innovators and catalysts for change..

From Carla:

On July 11, 2026, I was honored to present at the Pastel Society of New Mexico meeting at the Albuquerque Museum of Art. My lecture, The Artist in the Age of Entanglement: Creativity, Connection, and the New Renaissance, focused on today's direction in fine art and the role of visual artists. We are living in an era often described as a "new modern renaissance." Unlike the Renaissance of the past, which was defined by a surge in artistic, scientific, and philosophical innovation, today's renaissance is shaped by the entanglement of disciplines, technologies, cultures, and ideas. Artists are no longer isolated creators; they are collaborators, innovators, and catalysts for change and transcendence, which will bring a new level thinking that will become manifest in art, architecture, politics, science, and literature. I have had several requests to share this presentation. Here is a direct link to the video and handouts: https://www.carlaforrest.com/video/15050. Below is an imbedded YouTube video for your convenience. Happy viewing!

The Artist in the Age of Entanglement (48 min)

Get excited for another unforgettable show coming soon! Walt Gonske: Light & Glory opens August 7 at the Nedra Matteucci Galleries in Santa Fe. The show will feature the artist’s awe-inspiring paintings of churches and scenes from the Southwest and Central America.

The exhibition is free and open to the public, so we hope to see you there.

https://www.matteucci.com/