Albert Handell

Albert Handell, one of the nation’s foremost impressionist artists, lives and paints in his adopted city, Santa Fe, New Mexico. Handell is internationally recognized for his exceptional skill with pastels. In 1987, he was inducted into the Pastel Society of America’s Hall of Fame, an honor that placed him among a select group of living American artists. In 2007, the Butler Institute of American Art, Youngstown, Ohio, honored him with a retrospective exhibition of his pastels, adding two of his works to their permanent collection. Primarily known for his plein air work, Handell paints on location across the United States, often using pastels or employing a combination of watercolor underpainting and pastel for his outdoor studies. These smaller works capture the fleeting beauty of natural light and landscapes. During the colder months, Handell retreats to his Santa Fe studio, where he shifts his focus to larger oil paintings. This seasonal transition keeps his creative process dynamic, allowing him to stay energized and inspired throughout the year. Albert is the author of five tabletop art instruction books and shares his knowledge and experience through his well attended workshops in both oil and pastel.