Tricia Taylor was in Alexandra recently to attend the Pastel Artists of New Zealand convention.
She judged entries in the Pastel Artists of New Zealand National Exhibition which is now on display at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery.
The exhibit is a celebration of pastel art from across the country, showcasing works by both established and emerging artists.
Ms Taylor said the standard of work in the exhibition was fantastic.
"[There was] a variety of subject matter from portrait to landscapes, flowers and abstracts showed a range of genre that gave the exhibition a lot of interest."
One painting that was also a varnished work on canvas also showed the diversity of the medium, she said.
The society had different levels of membership from Masters, Distinguished artists and Artist members along with general membership, so there was artwork from each level ranging from professional artists to hobby artists.
"The exhibition is well worth the look to see such a quality exhibition of pastels all in one gallery."
New Zealand has had a thriving Pastel Society for more than 18 years and membership was growing, she said.
Advances in the paper and pastel quality and availability was increasing all the time as pastels continued to grow in popularity.
Ms Taylor said she had visited Central Otago many times.
"Of course, autumn is spectacular and my favourite for painting.
"I have brought artists to the area for painting holidays painting en plein air (outdoors)."
She said the autumn colours and mountain ranges were always a highlight.
"It is a very special and unique part of the world.
"I have travelled extensively and there is nothing quite like it.
"The friendliness of the people just adds that special touch to any holiday here."
Ms Taylor started working in pastels in 1996 and became a Master Pastellist with the Australian Pastel Society in 2011.
The exhibition runs at Central Stories until May 4.
