In this workshop spend time with Nicola exploring the possibilities when working with pastels.

NICOLA REIF DPANZ, MC-IAPS

“Nature at it’s finest”

I’m a self-taught pastel artist with a passion for nature. My whole life has been spent in the company of animals & I have been drawing them since I was a small child. So, it seems only natural that they are my subject of choice.

I have a background in Science with an MSc in Geology, specifically

Paleontology (The study of fossils). My grounding in science, especially

biology & morphology, strongly influence my style, which is detailed yet artistic.

I choose to work in pastels as it allows precision, stunning clarity and depth of colour, along with the ability to render the lightness of feathers and the softness of fur. It is a medium that complements the subjects I choose to paint perfectly.

In the last few years I have discovered a real passion for birds. I spend hours out in the field observing & photographing my chosen subjects.

Consequently, each of my paintings can take many days from initial

observation to final painting. What I paint next is always influenced by my latest observations & is often seasonal.

When I paint, I pay particular attention to the subject’s eyes and strive to capture a little of the animal’s soul which is reflected there. I want viewers to really see the animals in my paintings, feel their vulnerability & emotions, their power and grace. If the viewer comes away with a feeling of connection with, and respect for, the animals then I feel I have achieved my objective.

I am committed to wildlife and environmental conservation through the

medium of my art, making contributions every year, both locally &

internationally. I feel privileged to be able to give back to our wildlife that gives me such pleasure each day.