I'm a professional pastel artist and member of The Pastel Society who specialises in capturing the stunning beauty of the North Wales landscape. My paintings are often described as photo-realistic.
I'm lucky enough to live in a beautiful country house in north east Wales (the venue for the workshops) and we opened the area's only independent art and craft gallery within the grounds at Easter 2022 (orielglasfryn.com). As well as my own paintings, the gallery showcases the work of over 40 other Welsh 3-d artists and will be open on the day of your workshop.
My work is the antithesis of how most people would imagine a pastel painting to be; they are bold and vivid with lots of detail. Being self-taught, I have developed some unusual techniques which means that there will be something to learn regardless of whether you book a beginners' or improvers' course.
Courses, kits & gifts
Beginners' pastel painting workshop at fabulous Glasfryn Hall, North East Wales
"Beautiful surroundings set the tone for such a great day. Very easy to find, the venue is perfect. Dave himself is super friendly and really helps create a great, calm, supportive atmosphere (and the lunch was 10/10 too).
Dave explains process in a wonderful, informative manner and I actually ended the day with a pastel painting of which I am very proud.
I look forward to attending another session in the future. Thank you Dave, you have created a pastel convert!!!!"
Oriel Glasfryn Gallery Limited responded:
"Thank for coming on the workshop, Gary, and for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. It glad you enjoyed it and I've got another pastel convert - my master plan is coming together!"
"Another great workshop with Dave. A follow up to the beginners workshop ( I booked the Improvers the next day, that’s how impressed I was ).
Thoroughly enjoyed the day, would highly recommend!"
Oriel Glasfryn Gallery Limited responded:
"Thanks so much Bev - for coming along to another workshop and for leaving this kind review. I'm glad you enjoyed it and hope to see you again!"
"The improvers course at Glasfryn Hall was very enjoyable . Lovely surroundings and gardens and friendly people.
Dave gave us all lots of useful information about materials and showed us lots of techniques , some of which we tried out during the day .
It was very inspiring and gave me more confidence .
Lunch was simple and tasty . A wonderful day which flew by so quickly.
Thank you to everyone involved."
Oriel Glasfryn Gallery Limited responded:
"Thank you, Catherine! I'm so glad you enjoyed the day and that it helped you gain both inspiration and confidence with pastels. You should be very proud of your painting and I hope you plan to continue."
"The introduction to pastel painting was excellent. I had been drawn to David's workshop and his work by my love of landscapes so the focus of the day was perfect.
The venue is superb, lunch + refreshments delicious and teaching excellent.
It was so satisfying to leave the day with a completed picture, plus a goodie bag to have a try at home!
I will definitely be booking onto another workshop in the future.
Thankyou David."
Oriel Glasfryn Gallery Limited responded:
"Thank you very much, Sue. I'm so pleased that you enjoyed the day and that you are now enthused enough to carry on pastelling at home. Hope to see you at another workshop soon! "
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