This striking commissioned artwork was created from a photograph given to me by the owner of this Alvis vintage car, taken at a vintage car rally at an aircraft museum.

This was one of the first vintage cars, and vintage aircraft, I have created and I really enjoyed the challenge of this commission. 

As with most of my artwork, this stunning commissioned painting is completed using soft pastels and pastel pencils on Artspectrum colourfix paper.

The sharpened pencils create the detail of the car and plane, and the background is blended using polystyrene sticks to give the three-dimensional effect to the completed painting.

Ivan Jones Pastel Artist

Alvis vintage car and Spitfire plane

This striking artwork of hands resting on a walking stick was created from a photograph by an unknown photographer. I do hope they think I have done this image justice.

As with most of my artwork, this stunning painting is completed using soft pastels and pastel pencils on Artspectrum colourfix paper.

The sharpened pencils create the detail of the wrinkles and fingers, and the background is blended using polystyrene sticks to give the three-dimensional effect to the completed painting. 

This artwork sold during Herefordshire Art (H-art) week in 2021.

Hands resting on a walking stick

This atmospheric autumn scene was created from a photograph taken in the Queenswood arboretum in Herefordshire.  

The sharpened pencils create the detail and the background is blended using polystyrene sticks to give the three-dimensional effect to the completed pastel painting of this stunning woodland scene. The paper used was Artspectrum Colourfix pastel paper.

You can see a creation video on my YouTube channel. 

This artwork sold on Ebay in 2020.

Autumn sunbeams in Herefordshire

This atmospheric scene of the view over Knighton was created from a photograph I took, looking down from Llanshay Lane above the town. The sky was moody and I think that adds something very special to the scene.

As with most of my artwork, striking landscape painting is completed using soft pastels and pastel pencils on Artspectrum colourfix paper.

The sharpened pencils create the detail of the town and trees, and the background is blended using polystyrene sticks to give the three-dimensional effect to the completed painting. 

This pastel artwork sold during an exhibition in 2005 at the Tower House Gallery in Knighton by a local resident.

View over Knighton in Wlaes

When I saw this stunning reference photo from an unknown photographer, I was strongly drawn to it and felt it would make a lovely seascape artwork. And it proved - I love the how the sunbeams light up the sand and am pleased with how the sea, sand and sunlight have turned out. As you can see from my artwork on progress photos, I pay great attention to the details and that is what, I like to think, makes this special.

It is completed using soft pastels and pastel pencils on Artspectrum colourfix paper. The sharpened pencils create the detail, and the background is blended using polystyrene sticks to give the three-dimensional effect to the completed painting.

Silver Tide - a twist on the usual.

I found the reference photo for this commissioned pastel painting of Broad Street, Ludlow, Shropshire completed a few years ago.

As you can see I have applied artistic licence - removed the scaffolding on the Buttercross, enhanced the lights in the windows and removed the car. I also added myself twice with umbrella - it was pouring when we took the reference photos!

As usual, I created this atmospheric scene of the lovely town of Ludlow using soft pastels and pastel pencils from Pencils4artists on Artspectrum Colourfix pastel paper from Jacksons art supplies.

So until next time stay safe and enjoy the rest of your day.

Broad Street, Ludlow in the rain.

I was very happy to be notified that "Under Stormy Skies" got a Special Recognition award and has been included in the Light Space Time art gallery's 12th annual Seascapes exhibition.

I created these yachts a number of years ago and it sold during one of my art exhibitions to a yachtsman!

Although I would do this differently now, I would still use the combination of soft pastel and pastel pencils on Artspectrum Colourfix pastel paper.

Under stormy skies - yachts.

This pastel artwork of a robin was created from a photograph I took when staying at a hotel on Hayling Island, Hampshire, England. 

I loved the atmosphere created here with the light and shadows cast on this "Cheeky Chappy" by the bare branches in the April light.

This painting was created using my usual combination of soft pastel for the background and sharpened pastel pencils for the details. You can read more about the materials I use to create my artworks here.....

This robin artwork was the first artwork I sold to Keith and Paula and was through the Art2Arts website. I have since sold two further artworks to this couple as well as undertaken three commissions for them. A lovely couple and one of my greatly appreciated patrons!

Cheeky Chappy - robin

This pastel painting of a barn owl has been created from a reference photograph taken by an unknown photographer. I hope they feel I have done their photograph justice.

As with most of my work I have used soft pastels and pastel pencils on Artspectrum Colourfix pastel paper....

This artwork sold during my 2021 exhibition here at home as part of Herefordshire art week.

On the Pr-owl - barn owl in flight

It is a real compliment for an artist to win an award of any kind with their artworks, and winning Artist of the Month by the editors of the Artists & Illustrators magazine is even more so.
I am proud of these donkeys, created with pastel pencils, that have been used for Christmas cards both by Woodmansterne cards, and by me for friends and family.
It is definitely embarrassing to say I am an "award-winning artist" but I have been privileged to have been presented with a number of awards over the past year or two. I am sure many of my fellow artists have received a range of awards so why not use the same moniker?
You can see some of my award winning artworks in a video on my home page.....
These donkeys were created from a reference photo taken by me, during the winter of 2010, in a nearby village to my home in Wigmore.
Here I have used my usual combination of soft pastel and pastel pencils on Artspectrum Colourfix pastel paper.

Christmas morning - donkeys in snow

This pastel artwork is called Bwindi Breakfast - here you can see this female mountain gorilla enjoying a breakfast of morning glory vine

This artwork is a favourite of mine ( which sold on Artfinder a while ago). The reference photo was taken by a friend Vic Harnett when he and his wife Gill were in Uganda in the Bwindi Forest.

As usual it was completed using soft pastel ( for the background ) and pastel pencils ( for the detail) a was a joy to complete.

Bwindi Breakfast - female mountain gorilla

This is "In the Ngorongoro Crater" created, in pastel, from a stunning photo taken by friends when they visited the area a few years ago.

I was delighted to be notified that it was given a Merit art award from the Artroom gallery online "Animals art exhibition".....I feel honoured to be recognised in this way!

This striking elephant artwork was created using soft pastel and pastel pencils on my favourite Artspectrum Colourfix pastel paper.....You can read more about the materials I use on my website.

This artwork sold a number of years ago in at an art gallery in Toddington, Bedfordshire.

In the Ngorongoro Crater - African elephant

This lion and lioness creates a stunning image and I really enjoyed creating them, though it was very time consuming with all the details of mane, whiskers, fur, eyes - the list goes on!

This is a real favourite of mine - it is the largest size I do ( 50cm by 70cm ) and as usual it was created using soft pastel (for the background) and pastel pencils (for the details) on Artspectrum Colourfix paper. I used a very sharp white Cretacolour pastel pencil for the individual hairs on the mane.....Read more about the materials I use for my artworks here.

I have searched for the photographer of the reference photo without success but I hope they are happy with my interpretation of this stunning image.

This artwork sold to a USA buyer when I posted it to my Facebook page  a few years ago....only my second artwork I have sent abroad. It was a challenge to sort out packaging, customs and so on but she was very happy when it arrived.

Regal Partners - lion and lioness

I have not done a fox recently so thought this would be a nice addition to my collection. You can imagine him curled up in a secret place watching the world go by. 

As with most of my artwork, this fox painting is completed using soft pastels and pastel pencils on Artspectrum colourfix paper. The sharpened pencils create the detail of the fur and eyes, and the background is blended using polystyrene sticks to give the three dimensional effect to the completed painting.

Keeping a eye out

Marilyn Monroe is an iconic figure who, even now, elicits various emotions but also wonder at her beauty. I have completed a few movie stars using sepia tones and this image of "Norma Jean" is striking, with memories of old movies being created.
I am unable to find the original photographer for the reference photo I used, as this image is all over the internet, but I hope his/her family are happy with my interpretation.

 

As with all my artwork, I have soft pastels and pastel pencils on Artspectrum Colourfix pastel paper. The sharpened pencils create the detail and the background is blended using polystyrene sticks in layers to give the three-dimensional effect to this completed portrait of Marilyn.

This painting is delivered free in the UK by courier and is covered by insurance and a 14 day money back guarantee if you are not happy.

Norma Jean - Marilyn Monroe portrait in sepia

The Scottish scenery is stunning in so many ways and this landscape is no different. I have used artistic licence with this pastel artwork and combined two reference photos into one. The basic scene is based on a view on the west coast of Scotland near the Isle of Skye.

I have here used Rembrandt and Artspectrum soft pastels for the larger areas and then added the details and layers using Derwent, Cretacolor and Conte a Paris pastel pencils on Artspectrum Colourfix paper. You can read more about the materials I use on my website.

This stunning landscape sold during Herefordshire Art week in 2022.

Scottish landscape with lake reflections

With my next exhibition coming up next month, I thought I would create another hedgehog pastel artwork as they have always been a popular subject, especially in my home county of rural Herefordshire.

The reference photo for the hedgehog was taken by David Jones at the Malvern Show a few years ago. I replaced the boot (see reference photo above) with a tree trunk, taken by me in the field behind our home.  

I really enjoyed creating this detailed pastel artwork using soft pastels and pastel pencils on Artspectrum Colourfix pastel paper. The sharpened pencils create the detail and the background is blended using polystyrene sticks to give the three-dimensional effect to the completed pastel painting of this very appealing hedgehog.

This painting is delivered free in the UK by courier and is covered by insurance and a 14 day money back guarantee if you are not happy.

Woodland Ramble - hedgehog exploring

It has been a busy time recently but I can finally reveal the completed "Break Point" This pastel painting was created using my usual combination of soft pastels and pastel pencils on Artspectrum Colourfix paper. You can read more about the materials I use for my artworks HERE

As you are aware from my recent Instagram posts, it is my first attempt at waves and I enjoyed the challenge. The reference photo was purchased from Dreamstime.com and the photographer was Bugsy.

This painting is delivered free in the UK by courier and is covered by insurance and a 14 day money back guarantee if you are not happy.

Break point - waves crashing on the shore

I always enjoy the challenge of creating kingfishers, having sold a number of them in the past. Those colours and detailed plumage give me such pleasure....

For your interest, the reference photo I worked from was taken by Barbara Mastrucci.

I completed this artwork using soft pastels ( Rembrandt and Artspectrum ) and pastel pencils ( a mixture of Derwent, Cretacolor, Conte a Paris and Faber Castell ) on Artspectrum Colourfix paper.

This painting is delivered free in the UK by courier and is covered by insurance and a 14 day money back guarantee if you are not happy.

Percheur Royale - kingfisher

I created the initial pastel painting in August last year, from a reference photo by the talented Paul Fine.

I really enjoyed creating this detailed pastel artwork using soft pastels and pastel pencils on Artspectrum Colourfix pastel paper. The sharpened pencils create the detail and the background is blended using polystyrene sticks to give the three-dimensional effect to the completed pastel painting of these stunning cheetahs.

However when I reassessed it last week, I thought it needed something extra. I looked the artworks of Simon Coombs ( an amazing wildlife artist ) and saw the perfect background for these cheetahs. I feel it added an atmosphere that was lacking in the original artwork......

This stunning artwork is available to purchase by special request. 

In the meantime stay safe and enjoy the rest of your day!

Lounging cheetahs

This great tit, about to take off, is created from a reference photo by Matthew Brough who kindly gave me permission to create a detailed pastel artwork from it.

I love the attitude of this plucky little bird, and the details of the wings add something special. As usual, I have created this striking artwork using soft pastels, for the background, and sharpened pastel pencils for the details. The paper I have used is Artspectrum Colourfix - you can read more about the materials I use here.....

This painting is delivered free in the UK by courier and is covered by insurance and a 14 day money back guarantee if you are not happy.

Preparing for take off - great tit

Well after a busy few days, I can finally share the completed vixen pastel painting with you! I have called her "Honestly it wasn't me!"

As you know from my previous posts on my Instagram feed her reference photo was taken by talented photographer Andrew Sinclair and I hope he loves my interpretation of her.

I really enjoyed creating this detailed pastel artwork using soft pastels and pastel pencils on Artspectrum Colourfix pastel paper. The sharpened pencils create the detail and the background is blended using polystyrene sticks to give the three-dimensional effect to the completed pastel painting of this cheeky and appealing fox. She sold recently but if you would like something similar commissioned please get in touch.

In the meantime stay safe and enjoy the rest of your day!

Honestly it wasn't me! Pastel work of fox

I always enjoy doing hands - the fine detail is a challenge which I think I have pulled off. This artwork recently was awarded Special Merit in the Lightspacetime Figurative exhibition May 2022 - see more about this award here.....

As usual I have used soft pastel for the larger areas of colour and sharpened pastel pencils for the finer details. The paper is Artspectrum Colourfix, which is like a fine sandpaper. You can read more about the materials I use here......

This painting is delivered free in the UK by courier and is covered by insurance and a 14 day money back guarantee if you are not happy.

"Hohatsu-shu" (begging bowl in a monk's hands)

This delightful picture of a greylag goose and goslings was based on a photo taken by my wife on the Norfolk Broads. I enjoyed doing the water and all the details of the fluffy down on the goslings. A lovely composition.....

This artwork is completed using soft pastels and pastel pencils on Artspectrum colourfix paper. The sharpened pencils create the detail and the background is blended using polystyrene sticks to give the three dimensional effect to the completed painting.

This painting is 17 inch by 12 inch - in it's frame it is 23 inch by 19 inch which is the perfect size for any wall. 

This painting is delivered free in the UK by courier and is covered by insurance and a 14 day money back guarantee if you are not happy.