Pastel
One of my real passions is pastel painting which I first discovered when I studied the Impressionists at Art College many years ago, but in those days nothing like that was ever taught, so it was many years later that I decided to ‘have a go’ for myself – such a big learning curve which constantly continues.
I love the fact that pastels are quick and spontaneous to work with and they do not require huge amounts of preparation. Going straight to colour has advantages especially, if like me, you want to capture the essence of a subject first and then concentrate on the detail later. I firmly believe that what you feel about the subject in front of you and the visual excitement is more important than accuracy of detail, which can be worked on later.
I enjoy sharing the knowledge that I have gained over 20 years or so of working with pastels and was delighted to introduce many of our art holiday guests to them over the 15 years that we were running courses here in France.
In this gallery you will find examples of my work in pastel and hopefully you can see their versatility for yourself.
Many of the original pictures are available to purchase – you will find details of prices and size on the individual images within the gallery. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch via my Contact Page for more information.

Coquelicots

Eaux de printemps

A glimpse of the vines through the gate

Dawn over the lake

Evening at the creek Alverstoke

Cahors vineyards from on high

Patchwork fields of the Lot

Blousy blooms

Malbec vineyards

Old piggery door

Where my heart takes me

Sunset Over the Lake

Farewell Full moon across the lake

Across the inlet

My special place

Stranded on the mud

Wianna the jersey cow

Grandchildren running by the boats at low tide

Moored at low tide

Autumnal Malbec vineyards

Blue sunflower jug

Lunchtime

March hare

Reflections of spring

Anchored at low tide

Blustery day at Stokes Bay

Coastal inlet

Autumnal view over the Lot River 1

Autumnal view over the Lot River 2

I wonder what’s behind this door?

Fire in the sky

Autumn sunshine through our woods

Autumnal patterns across the Lot Valley

The Patchwork quilt of Autumn – SW France

Thundery skies

Artichoke hearts

Last sunflowers of summer

Through the door from the kitchen

Moody sky over the Vendee coast

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View across the bay in the Vendee

Stripes and spots

La Flotte harbour – Il de re

Red spotted jug

The pool of reflection

Me and my brood

Chestnut blossom

Chestnut tree

Still life – Autumn reflections

Abandoned at low tide

Local stream in full flow

Poppyfield

My studio

Stone bridge in Catus

Fruit & Tulips still life

Red tulips & fruit

jug of sunflowers

French dressing

Purple peonies

Japanese still life

Flying kites on the beach

Spring flowers and vegetables

Reflections of sunset across the valley

Les Pivoines

Summer celebration

Cazals market produce

Street cafe in Collioure

Backstreet in Collioure

Our valley in Autumn

Peony passion

Parrot tulips in Charlotte Rhead Vase

Parrot tulips in a deco vase

peonies in chinese vase
