
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.
Soft Pastel Stories
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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.

We recently held a joint competition with pastel artist Rebecca De Mendonça to win her inspiring new book ‘Pastel for Absolute Beginners’.

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.

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.

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.

I was first introduced to pastel painting by a friend about 10 years ago when I admired what I thought was an oil painting.

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.

As an animal portrait artist I would like to take you through one of my paintings. I’ll say from the start that this is the way that I approach a portrait, and over time you will find your own way of working

June isn’t the most obvious month for thinking about winter scenes – but for me it is when I start to plan out my Christmas card designs (I know – too early!).