Nigel Smith’s story begins as a child, but it’s not until his 40’s, when spurred on by family members at a time dealing with grief and mental health problems, that he puts his art in to action.

We were planning to spend 3 weeks in the south of France and I decided to take my pastels with me. After all, how much fun could it be in such a lovely area without a little pastel painting time?!

I was recently contacted by Gaye Sekula, a co-ambassador for South Texas for the Portrait Society of America (PSoA). She asked for my help in setting up a “Face-off” event on behalf of PSoA here in Corpus Christi, Texas.

In Ireland we have a saying: ‘Tus maith, leath na hoibre’ – or, ‘A good start is half the work’. So true in the case of animal art.  Getting a good look at your subject and getting a good reference is often not only half the work, but also half the fun!

I can’t even draw a stick figure.”

Have you ever said that? Have you ever heard someone say it? It’s usually said with a bit of embarrassed cynicism.

I fell in love with pastels from the moment I first saw their lustrous sheen on paper. Being a self-taught artist, I had muddled through prior efforts to paint with watercolours, acrylics, coloured pencils and more.

With a grin I sometimes introduce myself as the mad lady who paints the hill. Roundway Hill near Devizes in Wiltshire and the surrounding fields are my subject as I love to observe them every day.