Agile & Precise
International Artist|April - May 2022
Sandra Bartels moves swiftly between pastels and pastel pencils, focusing separately on each area of her subject
By Sandra Bartels
Agile & Precise

Splash, Softpastel and pastel pencils on pastelmat, 10 x 10 (26 x 26 cm)

For this drawing, I chose to keep the gray pastelmat color as the background since it contrasts well with the brilliant colors of the duck's head.

Photo reference: Jan-Willem Mantel.

I've always loved animals, and this love was steadily growing, so my husband and I chose to travel to areas where you can find animals in their natural habitat. It was wonderful to see how they behaved and how they hunted. We went to South Africa, Botswana and Zambia, as well as Norway, Sweden, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Nature was the key focus of our trips. For the last few years, we have been returning to Bonaire, where the underwater world is amazing.

Whenever we travel, I always take my camera. I love using my photography skills to capture the natural beauty and maybe to inspire my next drawing.

Venturing Out, Softpastel and pastel pencils on pastelmat, 10 x 10 (26 x 26 cm)

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM INTERNATIONAL ARTISTView all
A Sense of Depth
International Artist

A Sense of Depth

A solid grasp of foreground, mid and background makes Colley Whisson's scenes come to life

time-read
2 mins  |
June/July 2024
Peaceful Places
International Artist

Peaceful Places

Sara Linda Poly creates a sense of atmosphere and depth in her soft, ethereal landscapes

time-read
2 mins  |
June/July 2024
School's in Session
International Artist

School's in Session

A look at some of the many in-person and online art classes and workshops available today

time-read
4 mins  |
June/July 2024
Collaborative Environment
International Artist

Collaborative Environment

In this special edition of Beyond the Palette, we asked Scottsdale Artists' School executive director Trudy Hays a few of our own questions-about the benefits of art school, community and more

time-read
2 mins  |
June/July 2024
Flying COLORS
International Artist

Flying COLORS

Artist David Barclay discusses how to pack painting gear for air travel-managing bulk, weight restrictions and more

time-read
1 min  |
June/July 2024
Keep It REAL
International Artist

Keep It REAL

The Art Renewal Center bolsters the support and reverence of traditional representational art

time-read
3 mins  |
June/July 2024
BUILDING AN ART CAREER ONLINE PART I
International Artist

BUILDING AN ART CAREER ONLINE PART I

In this two-part series, James Gurney presents options for artists who want to improve their internet business strategies

time-read
4 mins  |
June/July 2024
EDWARD FRAUGHTON
International Artist

EDWARD FRAUGHTON

Sculpting the Spirit of the American West

time-read
6 mins  |
June/July 2024
Preserving the Soul of Art
International Artist

Preserving the Soul of Art

Throughout human history, people have used art to express themselves, record their daily activities, capture moments and share their emotions.

time-read
3 mins  |
June/July 2024
Intrigue in the ordinary
International Artist

Intrigue in the ordinary

I've \"'ve never had any formal training always had a strong attraction to the arts and the practice of painting

time-read
1 min  |
August/September 2023