Jacqueline Meyerson’s Realism in Pastel showcases the remarkable potential of pastel as a fine art medium while also pushing the boundaries of realism through richly detailed, hyper-realistic compositions. In this upcoming exhibit, Ms. Meyerson invites viewers to experience the depth, texture and emotion that can be achieved through pastel via her works, which are often mistaken for photography at first glance. This Romano Gallery exhibit is a celebration of pastel’s versatility and a testament to its ability to convey realism, drama and intimacy with astonishing clarity. The exhibit runs from September 30 to October 25, with an artist talk on October 9. 

Through subjects ranging from nostalgic relics and everyday objects to food, nature and glass, Ms. Meyerson captures both the beauty of and the story behind the ordinary. Her paintings draw in viewers by capturing beauty and stories from everyday items. Her work captivates, not just through technical precision, but also through a powerful emotional undercurrent woven into each piece.

“Working with pastels, I find a deep emotional connection in the physical process of touching, blending and layering pigment,” Ms. Meyerson explains. “The immediacy of this medium allows me to manipulate light and shadow in dramatic ways, aiming to blur the line between painting and photography.”  Her hyper-realistic style often prompts double takes, encouraging the viewer to question what they actually see. Ultimately, she wants her work to inspire wonder and depth by pulling viewers in. 

Ms. Meyerson is an award-winning self-taught pastel artist. Her work has generated national and international recognition, and she has been voted one of the top 100 pastel artists in the world by Pastel Journal. Ms. Meyerson’s work has been exhibited in prestigious galleries that include the Butler Institute of American Art, The Salmagundi Club and The National Arts Club both in N.Y. She is currently teaching pastel workshops privately and at the Baum School of Art in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Ms. Meyerson hopes that students will see her work and understand her artistic vision. “As an artist, my objective is to breathe life into the forgotten and the mundane—elevating everyday objects to become the focal point of a viewer’s experience,” Ms. Meyerson shares. “I am fascinated by repetition, rhythm and the hidden stories that seemingly ordinary items can tell.” Through this exhibit, she encourages students to learn from her work and gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and meaning she finds in everyday things. 
Everyone is invited to attend the artist talk with Ms. Meyerson on October 9, 2025, at Blair Academy’s Romano Gallery.