I have recently been really enjoying sketching in pastel, creating quick nature studies on Pastelmat paper.
Sketching in pastel
In contrast to my usual, more time consuming work, these are created in less than an hour and are in a more expressive and looser style. I find Pastelmat to be the perfect paper for both detailed and quick studies.
Pastel painting akin to oil painting
In these still lifes I have applied the pastel like you might paint with a broad brush or a palette knife. Using definite strokes and layering without additional blending, it shows an immediacy in the mark making which is reminiscent of an alla prima oil painting. I find it an exciting way to work, painting in dry media, and am loving expanding my practice as an artist.
Living in Cornwall I am surrounded by so much that inspires me. These conkers were collected when walking Bruno in Pinetum Gardens in St Austell, and I was gathering shells to draw when on my local beach last week.
Developing sketching, inspired by Cornwall life
I have become increasingly interested in sketching since teaching our popular Sketching Nature classes at Lanjeth Gardens. It is a perfect way to get an introduction to your own sketching practice, so get in touch if you would like to join us anytime.
I have plans to do a whole series of small nature studies in pastel, and I will be creating a collection of original artworks for a new gallery wall in Cornwall Open Studios 2026. But for now, I will just be enjoying the process, sketching as often as time allows, and developing my style. What a happy addition to art studio life this is.
