We are all connected. Finding this intrinsic connection painting animals in pastel is my passion. I paint to foster a connection between you and the world. Working as a pediatric nurse taught me how to relate and gather information from nonverbal patients. Nonverbal animals have much to share and their expressive eyes do not have the emotional filters humans have developed. Painting these beautiful creatures, focusing on their eyes, creates a strong connection. Connections are magical, providing an opportunity to nurture patience, compassion, love and caring, all qualities of a strong community that promotes health, hope and peace.

Cindy Berceli is a Pittsburgh, PA artist working primarily in pastels. "I have worked with other mediums," Cindy says, "but I love pastels for their tactile qualities and luminous color. They're dusty and messy because of their softness, and yet they contain strong permanent pigments and vivid colors that stand the test of time. Pastels are perfect for my artistic interpretation capturing the details and softness of two of my favorite subjects — animals and children." Captivated and inspired by the eyes of her subjects, Cindy strives to invoke the colors, expression and intelligence reflected in them. Her realistic, sometimes "quirky," but always miraculous subjects from anywhere on the planet, have been featured in international and national shows, and publications.

Cindy's curiosity of and love for people, animals and nature has been the inspiration behind her art. She bridges a connection between the viewer and the subjects she paints, using color, light and mental quietude. She has been fortunate to have studied with amazing artists, and since retiring from Pediatric Nursing, is enjoying the gift of devoting more time to explore art and share her love of painting with her students. Cindy has been named to Who's Who in American Art, is a Juried Member of Artists for Conservation, American Women Artists, the Pastel Society of America, the Association of Animal Artists, the National Association of Women Artists and an Elected Artist Member of the American Artists Professional League.

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