2020 Guest Bloggers
After a successful series of guest bloggers in 2019 we would like to do the same in 2020.
Soft Pastel Stories
Colourful Chronicles
Learn new techniques, hear artist's stories, and stay up to date on Soft Pastel News.
Travelling with Pastels
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?!
Corpus Christi “Face-off”
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.
Rebecca De Mendonça Book Competition Winner
We recently held a joint competition with pastel artist Rebecca De Mendonça to win her inspiring new book ‘Pastel for Absolute Beginners’.
What a Performer!
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!
Swash Your Way to Creativity
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.
Pastels & Me
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.
Gold Splashes Through the Dark Oaks
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.
Art in the Pen, 2019
An annual event held Skipton Auction Mart attracting over two hundred artists and craft makers showcasing a diverse mix of specialisms, along with art demonstrations.
What if?
Isn’t it exciting when you stumble onto something that is totally new? That is what happened when a colleague and I were developing a series of workshops on creative underpaintings for pastel. While experimenting and asking “what if?” the technique of “Floating Pastel” was created.
The Pastels in My Life
I was first introduced to pastel painting by a friend about 10 years ago when I admired what I thought was an oil painting.
Patchings Art, Craft & Design Festival
One of the UK’s finest art, craft and design events, set in 60 acres of picturesque Nottinghamshire countryside, showcasing over 250 of the best professional artists, craft makers and designers.