Sandra in her studio with her book 'Painting Skies in Pastel'
When did you start your creative practice and why?
Degree in fine art but became full time artist after moving to Derbyshire in 2002.
How would you describe your artistic style to someone unfamiliar with your work?
Pastel painting. Dry media. Inspired by weather over land and sea. Representational but not photo realistic, expressive and dramatic. At times obsessed by club shapes and forms. Based on the tangible- things I have seen and experienced - but working toward capturing something other and more intangible.
What themes or ideas do you find yourself returning to most often?
Clouds- all day every day- I spend most of my time looking up rather than watching where I am going. I have certain images I get obsessed by- certain sunsets that I have drawn multiple times- each time exploring something else about that evening sky, At other times I can become focused on a particular place, like Stanage Edge and revisit that. Mostly I become drawn to a particular palette and work through a number of pieces in similar palette-it tends to be seasonal like autumn colours.
What is your creative process from idea to finished piece is it always the same?
Generally similar in the first stages- out on walk or visiting places. Photos and sketches (in charcoal) then working through layer of pastel to create pieces based on that experience trying to capture the mood of the place or that particular light/cloud etc. Other times, I may work on different and more textural paper to create more expressive and less literal pieces.
AT times, I may work in charcoal and limited palette. It all depends on what I am trying to
express about the place.
What do you find challenging as an artist, and how do you overcome these challenges?
Procrastination when working solo- once I get down to it I work quickly but sometimes
starting is the hardest thing. Sometimes it can be hard to stay focused - at times I have too many things I want to work on and need to filter some out. At other times, if the rest of your life is busy or particularly stressful, then it can be hard to have a creative ‘itch’ and these times can’t be forced when tired.
Do you ever have creative blocks, how do you keep motivated?
Certainly in respond to sad times, like bereavement. I don’t think I spent time in the studio for months after my dad died. Fresh inspiration when not over tired works for me. Seeing a wonderful sky that I must work on.
How does your immediate environment or location play in your work?
It is at the heart of everything that I produce and informs every piece- whether overtly or under the surface. The view from my studio, the light over the hills above Buxton, the way the clouds move across the moor, the changeable weather creating different colours and clouds.
Who are the artists (past or present) who have strongly influenced you?
JMW Turner, Alexander Naismith, John Atkinson Grimshaw, Anselm Keifer.
How has your style or perspective evolved over time?
I spent many years focused on charcoal but gradually moved into colour and then moved
from being focused on the land up into the sky- and have pretty much stayed there ever
since.
What tools, materials, or techniques are essential to your practice? Is there a colour you just couldn't do without?
Size 10, flat chisel colour shaper tool made by royal sovereign - a vital ingredient for my
cloud edges and details- for control and smoothing.
In terms of colours - can’t live without lilac- one of my vital bridging colours for transitions between warm to cool shades in a sky.
How do you balance artistic expression with practical concerns like income or marketing, social media?
I have stopped trying to second guess what may or may not be popular and sell. I also think its hard to produce or force good work when you aren’t invested in the subject or the theme. Often I have sold work that I felt didn’t quite line up with what I had in my head- when other pieces I felt worked really well don’t sell. So I don’t think you can judge your own work objectively and see it the same way as others do.
If you could give the younger you advice what would it be?
Work harder, procrastinate less.
Have you got a project / award/ residency/ or idea are you excited to share with us?
I was delighted when my book, Painting Sky in Pastel was chosen to be translated into
Japanese and published in Japan. They sent me three copies. - I just love to look at them!
If your work could evoke one feeling or reaction in viewers, what would it be?
I like it when people tell me that I have captured how it ‘feels like’ to be somewhere- whether on a beach or up on the hills. If it chimes and connects them to that place- then that is what I want to happen.
What is your website and how do we find you on social media?
Sandraormeoriginls - instagram
Sandra Orme Pastel Originals, Facebook
