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Hello I am Keith Blessed a pastel artist based in the Cellar Gallery, Grape Lane, Whitby. My medium is pastels. This is applied to sandpaper and this gives my pictures a texture and vibrancy. I have been dedicated to improving my techniques for the past 10 years and I am passionate about promoting the use and understanding of the pastel medium, which I think is very underrated. Pastel paintings are produced by using pure pigment, this means that paintings done using pastels will not fade over time and will be as vibrant as they are now some 100 years in the future. For an example of this you only have to look at the works of Edgar Degas, one of the french impressionists.
I primarily paint seascapes and landscapes around the North East coast and moors, trying to evoke the ever changing moods and atmosphere of this part of the country. This is demonstrated by the dramatic sunrises, sunsets, stormy skies, and seascapes, that are a particular favourite of mine, the quality of light being an inspiration with contrasting light and shadow being displayed in vibrant detail.
Biography
I was born in Doncaster in 1953. I began work in hospital pathology labs before spending 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry. In 2001 I took early retirement and moved to the picturesque seaside town of Whitby, on the North Yorkshire Coast. I have always had an artistic nature, but it was not until I moved to Whitby that it began to take full rein. A friend introduced me to pastels, with which I found great affinity, and it is now my preferred medium of choice. I am self-taught although I have had a lot of encouragement and guidance from members of the Whitby art scene in particularly Robert Brindley. In my paintings I like to develop atmospheric effects with sunrises and sunsets a speciality. I also like the interplay of light on surfaces, and like strong light and shadows in my paintings. The North Yorkshire coast with its quaint fishing villages has inspired me to produce some fabulous works of art.
Click here for Keith's website
