Life in the Tivoli

Courses painting gave me the basis for sound draftsmanship and an understanding of how to make colour. I have developed my ability as a still life artist and oil pastellist through my own practice and through observing work by other artists.

The recent incorporation of another brand of oil pastels into my work (Caran d’Ache) stemmed from reading about the work of American artist Susan Bennerstrom. The way I use these pastels, however, is based on the understanding developed over many years of the nature of Van Gogh oil pastels; the variations in opacity and intensity of colour.

I am interested in colour, shape, light and shadow. I am also interested in texture in artwork. I like to see the building of a piece of artwork, what sustains it from underneath, and what contributes to what happens on