2021 Portfolio
I paint in pastels, mainly pastel pencils and soft pastels and my preferred paper is Clairefontaine Pastelmat. I specialise in animal art, especially animal portraits and still life. 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.
Diva
Diva giving us her best Boston smile. Various pastel pencils and pan pastels on light grey 25x35cm pastelmat paper. Created in December 2021.
Berry Nice
Blackberries on the vine. Various pastel pencils on 25x35cm pastelmat paper. Photo ref: Kathy McCoy, Free Reference Photos for Artists. Created in November 2021.
Grapes
A bunch of grapes creates shadows on the wall in the afternoon sun. It is A4 portrait on blue pastelmat paper. Photo ref: Ilona E Stefan, Free Reference Photos for Artists. Created in November 2021.
Faith
A memorial picture of Faith, the donkey foal who sadly only lived a few weeks before a paddock accident ended her short life. She is 40x50cm on sand pastelmat paper. Created in November 2021. (Commission)
The Resignation
This picture tells the story of a battle between two kings - of conquest, defeat and resignation. It is 25x35cm on anthracite pastelmat paper. Created in October 2021.
Betsy
This is a picture of one of our own sheep. When the photo was taken the golden glow of the sunset was reflected in her fleece. She is 25x35cm on dark brown pastelmat paper. Created in October 2021.
Apples
These red apples look good enough to pick off the tree and eat. They are A4 portait on light blue pastelmat paper. Photo ref: Trudy Olfert, Free reference photos for artists. Created in October 2021.
Bunnie
This pet rabbit's fur was a bit of a mission as it is not short and not long, but it is very thick and white and required a lot of layering. He is 25 x 35cm on sand pastelmat paper. Photo ref: Jo Savage, Free animal reference photos for artists. Created in September 2021.
Sherlock
This cat is coming out of the shadows and showing his claws. He is 25 x 35cm on brown pastelmat paper. Photo ref: Robyn Fraser, Free animal reference photos for artists. Created in September 2021.
Pears
I really enjoyed creating these pears and especially the leaves. It is A4 size, portrait on light grey pastelmat paper. Created in September 2021
Marvin
I think this was one of the most difficult animals I have drawn. He is 25 x 35cm on light blue pastelmat paper. Created in September 2021.
Zara
The markings on this striking tortoishell cat were a bit of a challenge. She is 25 x 35cm on dark green pastelmat paper. Created in August 2021. (Sold)
Red
This sweet chestnut foal is a picture of innocence. He is 25 x 35cm on light green pastelmat paper. Photo ref: Robert Hoffman, Unsplash free use. Created in August 2021.
Red Hot Chilli Peppers
This was a real challenge for me as it is very detailed, but I loved working with the bright colours. It is 25 x 35cm on sand pastelmat paper. Photo ref: Don Barrick, Free Reference Photos for Artists. Created in August 2021. Merit award in the July/August PANZ Pastel Challenge
Goldie
I couldn't resist drawing this cute golden dog. He is 25 x 35cm on sand pastelmat paper. Photo ref: AnAn Zanka, Free Reference Photos for Artists. Created in August 2021.
Prickle
Hedgehogs are becoming endangered in some parts of the world and wlldlife preservationists in the UK are campaigning to raise awareness of their plight. This is my version of the photo used by Stephen Mills with permission. He is 25 x 35cm on light grey pastelmat paper. Created in July 2021.
Ben - The Bengal Cat
Bengal cats are very unusual both in colour and markings so I had to try one out. Their eyes are either green or turquoise. He is 25 x 35cm on light grey pastelmat paper. Created in July 2021.
Bess
A rather cute pig. She is 25 x 35cm on brown pastelmat paper. Created in June 2021. Photo ref: Jodi Farclough posted in FB site Coloured Pencil and Pastel Animal Artists - Techniques, Help, Support and Share
Luca
The largest german shepherd dog I have ever seen, and such a gentleman. He is 25 x 35cm on light grey pastelmat paper. Created in June 2021. (Commission)
Hansum
This striking alpaca is a mate for Gawjus. I just loved his whimsical little face and crazy hair. Selected for the HB Art Review Exhibition September 2021. He is 25 x 35cm on brown pastelmat paper. Created in June 2021.
Luna
This gorgeous fluffy grey cat was a pleasure to create. Selected for the HB Art Review Exhibition September 2021. She is 25 x 35cm on red pastelmat paper. Created in May 2021.
Polly
A brightly coloured macaw parrot to practice those tricky feathers and to enjoy creating art with the vibrant colours of these beautiful birds. Selected for the HB Art Review Exhibition September 2021. She is 25 x 35cm on brown pastelmat paper. Created in May 2021. Photo Ref: Amanda Kaye Gribben, Free Animal Reference Photos for Artists – free use.
Daisy
This donkey is looking towards the house expecting his owner to come and let him out. He was created for the Keirunga Artists Challenge Competiton. He is 25 x 35cm on yellow pastelmat paper. Created in May 2021.
Mia
There is a surprising amount of detail in this jack russell terrier's portrait. They are such alert and inquisitive little dogs with big personalities and a lot of courage. She is 25 x 35cm on brown pastelmat paper. Created in May 2021.
Charlie
Successful race horse (Royal Currency) and show horse (TM Memphis) from South Australia, sadly now deceased. His picture is 25x35cm on light blue pastelmat paper. Created in April 2021. Photo ref: Kerri-Ann Afford, Free Animal Reference Photos for Artists
Annabelle
This sheep's long, woolly, layered fleece was a challenge to paint. She is 25x35cm on brown pastelmat paper. Created in April 2021.
Kitty - On the Prowl
This gorgeous kitten is off on a mission. People's choice award in the December 2021 Kierunga Artists Exhibition. He is 25x35cm on dark green pastelmat paper. Created in April 2021.
Red Squirrel
This little red squirrel is showing off his vibrant colour. He is 25x35cm on pale blue pastelmat paper. Created in April 2021.
Puppy Love
This basket full of cuteness is just begging for your attention. He is 25x35cm on white pastelmat paper. Created in March 2021.
Game On
This striking blue eyed tabby cat has her prey in her sights and she is ready to pounce. She is 25x35cm on white pastelmat paper. Created in March 2021. Winner of the People's Choice Award Keirunga Artists Exhibition April 2021. (In Private Collection)
Aladdin - Grey Show Pony
This stunning flea-bitten grey show pony looks like he has just finished his workout. 2nd place in the December 2021 Kierunga Artists Exhibition. He is 25x35cm on brown pastelmat paper. Created in February 2021. Photo Ref: Katie-Alice Animal Art – Free Animal Reference Photos for Artists (FB) – free use.
Curiosity
This ginger cat is looking around the edge of the frame rather curiously. He is 25x35cm on brown pastelmat paper. Created in February 2021.
Field Mouse
The little fieldmouse pops up out of his hole. He is 25x35cm on anthracite pastelmat paper. Created in Feburary 2021. Photo Ref: Bill Jones – Free Reference Photos for Artists (FB) – free use. (Sold)
Sweetie
Who could resist that gorgeous miniature horse face. She is asking for a carrot or other sweet treat. She is 25x35cm on light blue pastelmat paper. Created in January 2021. Selected for PANZ Purely Pastel Online Exhibition 2021. Selector's 1st Choice in Keirunga Artists Spring Exhibition 2022
Gawjus
This alpaca has a face that will always make you smile. She is 25x35cm on brown pastelmat paper. Created in March 2021.
Irish
This is a portrait of an Irish Wolfhound, the tallest dog breed in the world. He is 25x35cm on dark blue pastelmat paper. Created in February 2021. Photo Ref: Kerri A Afford Photography – Free Animal Reference Photos for Artists (FB) – free use.
Richie
The bright plummage of this macaw parrot certainly stands out. We named him Richie after the renown NZ rubgy player Richie McCaw as they share a similar surname. He is 25x35cm on sand pastelmat paper. Created in February 2021. (Sold)
Tasman Bear
A lovely soft portrait of Tasman Bear who was rescued as a puppy. He is 35x35cm on brown pastelmat paper. Created in January 2021 as a gift for a friend. Own photo.
Snail Trail
A snail on a branch hiding away from the photographer. A snail shell has perfect mathematical properties as it is created based the fibonacci spiral. It is A4, landscape orientation on sand pastelmat paper. Created in August 2021.
(Sold)
Broken Egg
A slight deviation from the animal theme, I could not resist this image and the challenge of capturing the semi-transparent egg white as it comes out of the eggshell and surrounds the egg yolk. It is A4, landscape orientation on sand pastelmat paper. Created in March 2021. Winner of the Keirunga Artists April Exhibition
Lemons
When life gives you lemons. This is A4 landscape on light grey pastelmat paper. Created in October 2021. (Sold)
Mandarins
This picture was created simply for the challenge of reproducing the look of fruit good enough to eat. It is A4, landscape orientation on sand pastelmat paper, however the sand colour did not do the fruit justice so I put in the black background. Created in May 2021. (Sold)
Christmas Kitty
A cute kitten mesmerised by the christmas bauble. He is A4 on white pastelmat paper. Created in November 2021. Winner of the PANZ Christmas challenge and featured on the front page of the PANZ Newsletter
Peekaboo
This ginger cat is peering through a hole in a white cardboard box. I was intrigued with creating that 3D look by introducing shadows and like it so much it has become my banner image. He is A4, landscape orientation, on white pastelmat paper. Created in March 2021.
Peekaboo II
This tabby cat is peeking up over the bottom of the frame. He is thre second in the Peekaboo series. He is A4, landscape orientation, on light grey pastelmat paper. Created in June 2021.
Peekaboo III
This grey cat is peeking up around the side of a door. He is thre third in the Peekaboo series. He is A4, landscape orientation, on white pastelmat paper. Created in October 2021.