Like others, I dabbled with watercolour for many years, but it was on retirement and my move to Devon that I was able to explore art and painting further. Beginning with a watercolour class at Brixham College I moved on to joining a life drawing group which consisted of a group of skilled artists, a sculptress and others. My observation skills improved through life drawing as I sought my own particular style. My choice of medium for live drawing is charcoal. 

 

I discovered my love of pastels as a student of Keith Stott SWac (d. Jan 2020). I attended many weekend workshops and began with landscapes then, after walking the length of the Southwest Coast Path, seascapes and coastal views became my main focus. 

 

Latterly I have enjoyed a new challenge of painting friend's pet dogs in pastel - a whippet, Labrador, Jack Russells, Spaniels and more. I love the way the dog's personality starts to appear in front of me on the paper. My ambition is to broaden my knowledge of other media and to continue to take on new challenges, such as portraits. 

 

In 2021 I joined 6 other pastel specialists, including Rebecca de Mendonca for an exhibition called 'Positively Pastels' at Harbour House in Kingsbridge. Rebecca had inspired me to loosen my style and be bolder in my approach. I have been an organiser of a local annual art exhibition in Galmpton for the past 12 years and an exhibitor in many others. Commercial success is encouraging me to become more productive, while fulfilling my desire to 'just paint'.

 

I am a member of the Torbay Guild of Artists.
 

 

Pastel

87.5x67cm

Framed