I always wonder why I didn’t pick up a pencil many years ago, the only consolation is that it makes me so much more eager to make up for lost time! I have been a professional artist for the past 16 years but am self-taught...which has been an interesting challenge to say the least! My mum is my art critique and although not an artist herself, she has an incredible eye for detail and believe me, there is no holding back when scrutinizing my work before it is released, it’s a good job I’m not opposed to a bit of self-criticism! I started my artistic journey during a short spell of being chair bound after an operation, after feeling terribly bored and fed up I felt compelled to be creative. I purchased a Rolf Harris Starter kit and copied a painting on the wall. Despite really enjoying it, I discovered that I made a fairly decent job of it. I enjoy pastels so much because I like the control of the pencil/pastel stick over a brush. Pastels can be messy, as much as any other medium but as I work mostly with the pastel pencils it minimises the dust and I prefer the accuracy that I can achieve with a sharp point. I love working on velour as it lends itself so well to pets, especially being soft and almost furry to touch. Apart from the fact that it holds so much pastel, I can do layer upon layer of colour, texture and detail. As I work in a realistic style, I am very conscious that I achieve a good likeness to the subject and regard this as a very important factor when trying to portray features and character. I aim to create a feeling of warmth, happiness and radiate the soul of the subject, its only then that I feel satisfied that my job as an artist has been done.When it comes down to it, there is nothing I would rather do!
Andrea x
Pastel
Animal or Wildlife, Bird, Portraiture
Caran D'ache pastel pencils
Inscribe, SAA, Rembrandt pastel sticks
Velour paper (Hannemuhle)
Distinction in Pet Portraiture Diploma through the London Art College, People Choice Award at Art in Lyddington (3 years running), Colemans Prize at The Rutland Open Art Exhibition 2017
