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The Pastel Society Annual Exhibition is renowned for showcasing exceptional contemporary work in pastel, from established names to emerging talent. This year’s exhibition celebrates several artists under the age of 30, whose work brings fresh perspectives, techniques and experimentation to dry mediums.

From prize-winning artists to those at the start of their careers, these young exhibitors show just how flexible and expressive pastel can be. Their work ranges from careful observation to imaginative responses to place, memory, and everyday experience, making this a great opportunity to discover and support new talent.

Buy from an award winning artist

At Mall Galleries, we offer over £100,000 worth of prizes, bursaries and scholarships each year. Investing in the work of an award-winning young artist offers colletors and art lovers the opportunity to support the early stages of an artists career. These artists have been recognised by the Pastel Society and award sponsors in previous years. 

Cecilia Caulder, The Waterlily House Reflection

Caulder’s work focusses on light and reflection. Her work in the show The Waterlily House Reflection captures the subtle changes of light on water. Awarded the Bob Last prize in 2025, Caulder work shows a strong sense of observation and intention.

Skye Seipp, The Year of the Frog

Skye Seipp’s work often draws on cultural ideas and personal reflection. Her work was recognised in the PS annual exhibition 2025 with the Anthony J Lester Art Critic Award for its originality and sensitive use of colour.

Emerging artists to watch

Alongside prize-winners, the exhibition also features young artists who are developing strong and distinctive practices. Their work reflects a range of interests and approaches, offering collectors the chance to discover artists at an early stage in their careers.

Bethan Harris, Temperament

Bethan Harris lives and works in Newcastle upon Tyne and graduated from Newcastle University in 2022. She works in both drawing and painting, using colour to create a sense of mood and place. Her work is inspired by nature, memory, and local history, and is built up through repeated marks that give her images a sense of movement and atmosphere.

Maxine Keenan, Blue Sofa

Maxine Keenan creates quiet, reflective drawings using soft tones and shading. Her process involves adding and removing graphite, carefully adjusting each image until it feels balanced. Themes of memory, loss, and everyday life run through her work.

Anastasia Shulman, Chirography 6

Based in London, Anastasia Shulman works mainly with coloured pencil and pastel. Her practice is influenced by her interest in humanitarian studies, as well as a love of colour and shape. Shulman’s exhibited with the Pastel Society in 2025.

Jerry Yi Chang, Midnight Pretenders 2

Jerry Yi Chang’s work is closely linked to music and place. Midnight Pretenders 2 was inspired by a song he listened to while in Kyoto, where he imagined the drawing in bold blues and reds. The two works exhibited this year were made using the same medium, but in very different settings, one in a traditional artist’s studio in Kyoto and the other in a basement garage in London.

All works are currently available to browse and buy online

All works by the young artists featured in the Pastel Society Annual Exhibition 2026 are available to browse and buy online ahead of the exhibition opening on 21 January. With a range of accessible prices, this is a unique opportunity to support the next generation of pastel artists, whether you’re looking to add contemporary work to your home or invest in emerging talent.

Don’t miss the chance to see these exciting young artists’ works in person when the exhibition opens in the galleries on Wednesday 21 January.