Light in Pastel (29)

Paul Hardy shares his love of pastels and his techniques for capturing the beautiful atmospheric and dramatic qualities of light using step-by-step photographs and a wonderful collection of inspirational pictures.

The glowing colours and immediacy of pastels make them an ideal medium with which to interpret light, highlights and shadows. Using a few basic techniques, Paul demonstrates how simple it is to create light in all its glory with a series of easy-to-follow demonstrations: sunlight on a landscape, reflected light in a seascape, evening light and shade in a townscape. With subtle uses of vibrant and luminous colours, he creates a series of paintings full of life, interest and appeal.

Paul Hardy studied architecture at Bristol University and Columbia Pacific University. After graduating, he became Assistant to the Architect/Surveyor at Exeter Cathedral. He went on to become a Methodist Minister in South Africa, USA and the UK. Although retired, Paul has not lost touch with his architectural roots and is author of several ‘City Profiles’ and 'The Care and Preservation of English Medieval Cathedrals and Churches'. He spends his time painting, writing and holding regular demonstrations at Art Societies and schools. He also demonstrates for a major art material supplier and has produced two videos on pastel and watercolour techniques. Paul is also an exhibition judge at regional and local level. A member of various Art Societies, he has exhibited his work widely throughout the UK and some of his paintings are held in international private collections. Paul Hardy lives in Exeter.