2020 Portfolio
I paint in pastels, mainly pastel pencils and my preferred paper is Clairefontaine Pastelmat. I specialise in animal art, especially animal portraits. I source my photo references from my own photos and publicly available free use websites including Pixabay and Unsplash and facebook pages such as Free reference photos for Artists and Free animal reference photos for artists. Where photographer accrediatation is required this is noted.
Lionhead Rabbit
His fur looks so soft that you almost want to stroke it and this picture taught me a lot about creating the different textures of fur and hair. He is 25x35cm on light blue pastelmat paper. Created in November 2020. Photo Ref: Fotografierende - Unsplash – free use. PANZ Dec/Jan 2021 Challenge Winner, PANZ 2021 Purely Pastel Online Exhibition (International) Honourable Mention. (In Private Collection)
The Donkey
Donkeys are a joy to paint as they have such quizzical faces. I'm sure this one is looking for a treat. He is 25x35cm on light grey pastelmat paper. Created in October 2020. Photo Ref: Erwen Hesry - Unsplash – free use. Accepted into the 2021 PANZ Purely Pastel Online Exhibition. (In Private Collection)
Llama
The Llama's amazing colours make him a real standout - especially all of that crazy hair that was quite challenging. He is 25x35cm on brown pastelmat paper. Created in September 2020. Photo Ref: Teri Conway - Free Animal Photo References for Artists (FB) – free use. (Sold)
Sheep
The wool on this sheep was certainly a challenge to paint. She has a myriad of colours in her face and in her fleece making her one of my most colourful portraits. She is 25x35cm on brown pastelmat paper. Created in December 2020. Photo Ref: Wolfgang Hasselmann - Unsplash – free use. (Sold)
Palomino Pony
This palomino pony is a beauty with his classical cream coat and white mane and tail. The grain in the paper helped create the texture in his coat. I enjoyed creating the detail on the halter. He is 25x35cm on dark red pastelmat paper. Created in November 2020. Photo Ref: Daisyree Ijben Bakker - Free Animal Photo References for Artists (FB) – free use.
Out To Pasture
This shire work horse is enjoying a day off. This was my first real attempt at creating long, fine hair and the shire draught horse has plenty of it. He is 25x35cm on white pastelmat paper. Created in September 2020. Photo Ref: Jo Lockie – Free Animal Reference Photos for Artists – free use.
Billie
Goats are interesting animals because of their horns and their hair is very wiry. This one is 25x35cm on sand pastelmat paper. Created in November 2020. Photo Ref: Chris Lutke - Unsplash – free use.
Ellie
Ellie is a cute little house-dog who is her family's best friend. She is A4 size on sand pastelmat paper. Created in November 2020 as a gift. Photo ref supplied.
Oscar
Oscar is a memorial portrait as he sadly passed away a few years ago. He is A4 size on grey pastelmat paper. Created in December 2020 as a gift. Photo ref supplied.
Leila
This naughty german shepherd has her friend Otis held captive and is trying to look innocent. She is 25x35cm on light brown pastelmat paper. Created in November 2020 as a gift. Photo ref supplied.
Lucy
Lucy is a very successful Agility dog and is well known on the circuit. She was one of my first dog portraits and her long, curly, golden coat certainly challenged me, especially those ears. She is A4 on white pastelmat paper. Created in October 2020 as a gift. Photo ref supplied.
Ruby
Who could ever resist Ruby's smile and beautiful bright eyes. She was one of my very first dog portraits and I wanted to learn about painting black fur. She is a very successful and talented Agility Dog and wins loads of awards. She is 20cm square on white pastelmat paper. Created in October 2020 as a gift. Photo ref supplied.
