Katy Bailey’s work is a diary in paint. She follows her passions about nature and sustainability to try to find new ways of communicating these with the viewer. The underlying theme and subject matter revolve around nature, specifically woodlands, landscapes and reflections.
With the use of walking, breathing, printing, observation and drawing in situ and in the studio, she explores new ways of relating to forests and woodlands, allowing for a poetic intergenerational voice to emerge in the dialogue between artist and the trees and paths she walks through.
She favours the medium of Unison Colour pastels and charcoal, both for lightness and energy. Unison Colour pastels are made from natural pigments which she is drawn to. Certain walks become very familiar, there is a knowing about walking the same path through the seasons, noting small changes in light, growth and colour. This feeling of stretching the eyes into the distance, watching clouds race, rivers ripple, trees move are a constant inspiration.
She graduated in 1982 in Graphics and Illustration, then went on to graduate in 2021 in an MA in Fine art and critical practice.
She has been represented by a gallery for 11+ years in the early days of her career, exhibiting worldwide in group shows and solo shows. She is a member of the Cambridge Drawing society and won the peoples vote this year. Katy has made pre-selection in the Pastel society since 2015 and in 2018 had her first final selection, exhibiting and selling that year. Since 2018 she has consistently made final selection in the Pastel society and won the West dean award in the 2025 exhibition. Katy made final selection and exhibited in the SWA in 2015. Katy has been a member of COS for 30 years.
There are so many ’beautiful drawings on here, such incredible skills, I also love seeing newer artists emerging, this group is incredibly supportive, and every contribution adds something meaningful to our collective learning experience.
The Pastel Society Open Exhibition is one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the colourful world of pastels each year. Held in the grandest of locations (the Mall Galleries, London) in January, it showcases some of the best contemporary pastel artworks and artists in the world.
I walk every day and there are some places I feel drawn to more than others. When I stand looking in a familiar place, it’s not just about observing it, it’s about feeling it and knowing it.
We all need inspiration to work, something that captivates us and sets off fireworks in our soul. For me it will be nature, clouds, skies, reflections, which are all my daily recharge.
