The Society of Creative Arts of Newtown (SCAN) will have Alain Picard painting a portrait in pastel on Wednesday, September 28, at 1:30 pm, at Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main Street (at the flagpole).

Mr Picard will be painting from a live model. This demonstration is open to the public, free of charge.

Alain Picard earned a BA in illustration from Western Connecticut State University and went on to study at the Art Students League of New York. The artist cites Sargent, Degas, and Sorolla among his artistic influences. As a result, a love of light and beauty are immediately apparent in his pastel and oil paintings.

Mr Picard's work has been featured in such publications as The Artist's Magazine and The Pastel Journal.

He has garnered top awards throughout the Northeast in esteemed exhibitions, including those hosted by The Portrait Society of America, Hudson Valley Art Association, Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists, Connecticut Pastel Society and Pastel Society of America.

Mr Picard is a Signature Member of Pastel Society of America as well as Connecticut Pastel Society, where he served as resident from 2012 to 2014.

In 2004, The Artist's Magazine highlighted Mr Picard as one of 20 contemporary artists "On the Rise." He later won the Best Portfolio Award at the 2009 Portrait Society of America Conference in Washington, DC.

A frequent workshop instructor and demonstrator for art associations, schools, universities and museums, Mr Picard recently demonstrated at The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the National Arts Club in New York City.

In an effort to share his passion for art with others, Mr Picard has published two books, Pastel Basics and Mastering Pastel, and stars in a growing collection of instructional art videos.

Alain Picard lives with his wife and two sons in Southbury.

Reservations are not needed for SCAN programs, but additional information is available by calling 203-426-6654.

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