Irene Lester

Bio and Artist Statement
Irene Lester Born in Oroville and raised on a small farm near Nevada City, California, Irene earned a teaching degree from Chico State College and then moved north to Seattle, Washington. There she was given her first set of pastels and quickly learned from the Pastel Society that "the challenge and appeal of pastel lie in its pure vibrant colors, diverse texture and enduring freshness and immediacy."

After 30 years in the cool moistness of the Pacific Northwest, Irene returned to the bright warmth of California where she found Susan Sarback and her School of Light and Color. Irene felt that she could at last understand the colors she was seeing. Known as a landscape and wildlife painter, Irene has learned with Susan the excitement of painting from still life.

Irene's work has been accepted into many juried art shows, and she is still represented in the Pacific Northwest by the Issaquah Gallery in Issaquah, Washington.

Irene is a signature member of the Northwest Pastel Society.