I was a secondary teacher for over 30 years before becoming more involved in the art world. When I started painting, I very quickly realised that soft pastels was the artform which excited me - I love the immediacy of the medium, the vibrancy and ability to combine with other media. I paint animals (mainly dog portraits), but my real interest is in painting landscapes, especially en plein air. As an experienced teacher, demonstrator and tutor, I enjoy sharing my passion for pastels and will personalise my teaching, whether students are novices or more experienced painters.