For tonight’s demonstration, our own Jude Tolar will be showing her pastel work!
Biography
Jude Tolar spent her childhood drawing mermaids and Hawaiian girls and her college years doodling on class notes. At the time a psychology degree from OSU seemed more practical than her fine art prospects. She discovered graphic design soon after and became the Staff Artist for the OKC library system for several years.
Jude then studied art/illustration at OU, learning from Jon Goodell, Roger Huebner, and Mike Wimmer. She freelanced in graphic design and illustration for many years and also wrote and illustrated some children’s books. You can see some of her work locally, such as the logo for Elizabeth’s on Campus Corner and on some posters in one corner of Applebee’s Restaurant.
In 2006 Jude’s focus turned to pastel painting. Pastels provide an immediate, fresh way to express the joy and beauty she sees around her. She prefers to work from life, either en plein air or indoors.
The acreage Jude shares with her husband in Stillwater provides many outdoor subjects. Her still lifes use personal favorites and quirky finds from estate sales and flea markets.
Jude has studied with noted artists Terry Ludwig, Dale Martin, Clive Tyler, Becky Way and Mike Wimmer. Jude was the demo artist for the Oklahoma Pastel Society’s November 2009 meeting, and has won numerous awards at art shows, including two Best of Show awards in the same week in 2009.
Her latest thrill is being this month’s featured artist on the Oklahoma Pastel Society’s website: www.okpastel.org
Oklahoma watercolor artist Susan Ford was originally scheduled for February, but due to a family emergency had to cancel her appearance with us. We wish her the best in this difficult time, and we hope to see her at a future meeting.
Stillwater Art Guild 
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