Nina Squire - The Pastel Artist

A lovely Dorset view

2012-01-23T05:57:00.000-08:00

This commission was great as it was a picture of a clients favourite which I liked too. A great idea as a gift for someone visiting the area.

IMG_5724

A lovely spaniel portrait

2011-12-19T09:15:00.000-08:00

Taken this on my iPhone so not sure if the colours are quite true. There seems to be a light flare from my lamp?

A lovely beagle.

2011-12-16T04:06:00.000-08:00

A Christmas present on his way to a new home. I love him, hope they do too.

Tilly, the lovely cocker spaniel.

2011-11-30T07:23:00.001-08:00

I loved drawing Tilly, a tri-coloured cocker spaniel, her very unsual colouring makes a very striking portrait. Thanks Tilly!

Herman's portrait

2011-11-07T05:49:00.000-08:00

A lovely hairy hound.

Nearly finished....

2011-11-07T05:40:00.001-08:00

Briard and Saluki

2011-11-02T10:49:00.000-07:00

Well, the background won, so here's the work in progress. What do you think so far.

These two make an interesting pair

2011-11-02T04:09:00.000-07:00

This is todays challenge, what do you think about a background, yes or no?

Hello and my Greetings cards are in Poole at Studio Art Shop

2011-09-09T07:24:00.000-07:00

The lovely Studio Art Shop, next to 'Lush' handmade cosmetics, ( you can smell the Lush shop before you see it! ) are stocking my greetings cards. Pop in and say hello! They do a great range of art materials and will always be full of helpful suggestions on things that will help you develop your arty talents!

Studio Art Shop

31 High Street, Poole, Dorset BH15 1AB01202 686662 ‎

Day 2 Devon County Show

2011-05-20T03:08:00.000-07:00

I'm drawing on Devon Life's Stand which is near the sponsors pavilion @DevonCountyShow .This is one a River Cottage's pig - just had to draw him!

Drawing day 1 at Devon County Show

2011-05-19T09:34:00.000-07:00

Artist in residence makes Western Morning News - page 3!

2011-05-19T05:51:00.000-07:00

Todays pictures from Devon County Show write up!

Multimedia message

2011-05-19T04:25:00.001-07:00

I've been drawing @DevonCountyShow in the livestock area. What do you think so far?
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Devon County Show.

2011-05-18T10:26:00.000-07:00

One of my fellow exhibitors! ;-)

My new Flag!

2011-05-16T01:50:00.000-07:00

Nina Squire does exactly what it says on the flag! ;-)

Come see me and my new flag at Devon County Show this week!

Another display piece for Devon County Show

2011-05-14T13:44:00.000-07:00

What do you think?

Boats and sea

2011-05-14T07:51:00.001-07:00

Hmmmmm, a lovely view!

Working on a Pastel scene.

2011-05-03T06:20:00.000-07:00

This beautiful view greets a lovely couple each morning. I'm just beginning to feel happy with it. What do you think so far.

Black Labrador portraits.

2011-04-08T04:32:00.001-07:00

Always a lovely portrait - this one's a surprise so that's all for now.

Lady birds from St James!

2011-03-24T10:48:00.001-07:00

If you can, pop into Stewarts to see the lovely display of children's work from our school project, Little Green Fingers. Stewarts landscaping supplied the pebbles for painting which look great! I love the pebble lady birds in the artificial grass!

Felted flower meadows for Walford Mill Craft Centre

2011-03-23T11:08:00.001-07:00

This beautiful felt flower meadow was created by the children of St James Primary, Gaunts Common, Wimborne. Stewarts Garden Centre funded both the materials and the workshop artist facilitator, Nina Squire, as part of their art education program, Little Green Fingers, which aims to educate children in the benefit of encouraging wildlife and improve our environment through growing. The finished felt panel has been donated to Walford Mill Craft Centre to raise valuable funds for their new building project. It will auctioned at the 'Silver' exhibition from June 25th- July 31st, please visit www.walfordmillcrafts.co.uk for more information

Drawing cocker spaniels in the sunshine!

2011-03-19T11:04:00.001-07:00

Its not bad working outside in this weather, makes up for hail and rain last time! Hey ho!
I liked my photo but not the metal gate so trying to create a wooden, more aesthetic one! What do you think so far?

Felt making at All saints Guides Group in Poole.

2011-03-18T04:46:00.000-07:00

We've been working with local guide groups to create felted wall hangings. It was a great team activity and the kids loved the felt flower meadows and all wanted to do some more!

Felted panels at St Ives First School

2011-03-12T23:35:00.001-08:00

We made fabulous felted flower panels after looking at pictures of the flower meadow designed by Stewarts Garden Centre at the New Forest Show for inspiration. The kids and teachers learnt a new skill and these panels will be a great display when they dry.

Friendship poles for St Johns.

2011-03-11T00:02:00.001-08:00

I've been working with St Johns In Wimborne to make outdoor art that celebrates the friends and fun they have in school. We're looking forward to seeing the finished pieces outside in their newly designed garden. Stewarts Garden Centre donated all the materials for the project through our partnership project, Little Green Fingers. More info 01258 458803

Spaniels are lovely portraits.

2011-02-23T08:22:00.001-08:00

Working on this for display today. What do you think do far? N

Some pictures from last year

2011-02-16T05:27:00.000-08:00

Just a few from last year.

Hairy hound portrait

2011-02-09T01:23:00.001-08:00

Just had this lovely message from Poppy's owners. Thanks, Maggie, here she is!

Hi Nina

A rather belated happy new year! We adore the portrait of Poppy, our hairy hound, and proudly show it off to friends and neighbours, but haven't found her on your website or blog.

best wishes,
Maggie Welsh

Cows!

2011-01-19T06:52:00.000-08:00

Drawing more images for cards and prints. These lovely ladies are from Barford Farm, nr. Wimborne. A great place for ice-cream! What do you think so far?
>

German Shepherd portrait

2010-12-14T07:04:00.001-08:00

A lovely dog to draw, makes a lovely head study of a german shepherd.

Zac's portrait

2010-12-14T02:58:00.001-08:00

A beautiful spaniel portrait, they make great subjects! Zac is a lovely example of one, with bags of character too! Thanks for coming across to pick him up, Nicola, I'm glad you liked him.
Nina Squire
www.thepastelartist.co.uk
07967 736762

3 lovely terrier portraits!

2010-12-08T11:31:00.001-08:00

I'm really pleased with these lovely characters - they make a great terrier portrait! That's all I can show for now - there's so many surprises for Christmas. I've been flat out since the summer and can just about see the end of the line of commissions for Christmas which is great but exhausting! Its a shame I can't share them with you but I have been promised that there will be updates from the recipients after Christmas to upload with the images.

Labrador portrait

2010-11-25T00:15:00.000-08:00

Happy with this portrait, lovely lab head to draw, great expression!

Welsh springers portrait.

2010-11-19T03:18:00.000-08:00

These lovely pair have been a pleasure to draw, I'm a real spaniel fan! They make great portraits and have so much character in those lovely eyes. Thanks for the comment about the 'Welshie eye' on my blog, Frak, it prompted me to upload this scan.

Spaniel portraits

2010-11-19T01:57:00.000-08:00

Just working on this lovely pair, always great characters spaniels!

Japanese akitas

2010-11-14T01:39:00.001-08:00

Just finishing these two off, they make a great pair.

Still more to do but it's coming along!

2010-11-07T08:20:00.001-08:00

This one's a tricky task!

2010-11-07T03:10:00.001-08:00

A Sheltie with a wall eye and sooo many colours!

Work in progress - Welsh springer spaniels.

2010-11-05T10:00:00.001-07:00

This is the first of two spaniel portraits, these are welsh springer spaniels, a lighter brown than the liver and white spaniel portraits I'm used to. Always lovely to work with such pretty eyes, pastels are perfect for animal portraits.

Vizsla pastel portrait - work in progress

2010-11-03T07:01:00.000-07:00

Just adding the final touches to this lovely Vizsla pastel portrait, what a beautiful pose to work from. Alway tricky getting the right 'brown' but hopefully this one is coming along well.

Work in progress - Daxi Pastel portrait

2010-10-26T14:11:00.001-07:00

I've enjoyed painted these two, they make a great pair. It's always difficult painting brown dogs because the colour changes so much depending on the light. I was lucky enough to meet these two, though, which always helps me understand their individual colouring and characters.

Boxer pastel portrait.

2010-10-25T06:13:00.001-07:00

Kipling came to visit for his portrait, a lovely kind faced boxer. I'm glad his owners are as pleased as me with the portrait.

Cao da Serra de Aires Dogs

2010-10-18T05:49:00.000-07:00

I've never been asked to draw a Cao da Serra de Aires portrait before, these two live in Jersey and I've enjoyed drawing them.

Here's a bit more about them, taken from the website shown below.

'The standard was recognized in 1932 by the Clube Portugues de Canicultura.The Serra de Aires Dog is quite popular in Portugal but nearly unknown in Euroge (where it is usually simply called the "Portugese Sheepdog")

In Portugal,the Cao da Serra de Aires tends and drives the flocks ofsheeps, goats or cattle, particularly in the Alantejo and Ribatejo regions, where it adapted well to the dry and flat areas as well as the harsh climate (freezing and windy in winter, torrid and dusty in summer).'

Here's the website.

http://www.caodaserradeaires.fr/SerraAng.htm

Busy, busy, busy at the easel!

2010-10-13T13:57:00.001-07:00

Any ideas for recycling pencil sharpenings?!

Work in progress - it's a surprise so that's all for now!

2010-10-08T09:22:00.000-07:00

A great set of eyes, pastels are the perfect medium for drawing eyes. Still lots to do but I'm happy with it so far.

2 lovely black labradors

2010-10-08T00:23:00.001-07:00

These two happy black labrador owners came to pick up their new portrait. They said they liked it because 'it looks just like them at home'. Thanks boys.

Happy birthday to Mrs Bexley of Combe Martin!

2010-10-04T02:14:00.001-07:00

This lovely terrier makes a great portrait, she's still handful even at 13! Thanks for sending the photo, Vick, I'm glad your Mum loved it, I liked drawing him too. Its always tricky getting white dogs to look white but not too flat.

Pastel classes at Stewarts.

2010-10-02T00:45:00.001-07:00

This is day 1 for one of my students on paper she stretched 20 years ago. Having packed away her art materials to return to work after children, it didn't take long to revive her skills! What a fantastic result!

Monty - Bull Mastif portrait - Simon's Birthday portrait

2010-09-27T04:16:00.001-07:00

Just had a lovely message from Angela to say that Monty's portrait was well received. That's great news, I thought it was a great portrait to draw, what a lovely face! Portraits make great gifts, we luckily managed to keep this a secret even thought we had to kidnap the dog for a photo shoot. It always helps to meet the dog if possible to get an impression of the character.

Finished portrait for Ann - Happy birthday!

2010-09-26T07:16:00.001-07:00

Happy birthday Ann, glad you liked your portrait. They make a great pair. Hope you have a brilliant rest of the day,

Best wishes

Nina

photo

Horse portraits in pastel

2010-09-18T15:23:00.000-07:00

Horses suit pastels, it's a great media to work texture in.

Labrador pastel portrait.

2010-09-14T02:08:00.001-07:00

I've been working on this portrait for the last few weeks. Labradors make great subjects for pastel portraits. These two have lovely faces!

Portrait of Japanese Akitas

2010-09-14T00:36:00.001-07:00

I received a commission to draw a portrait of these Japanese Akitas. I'm looking forward to drawing these two furry faces!

Working on this pretty bull mastiff portrait.

2010-09-08T06:21:00.001-07:00

Lots of character in the this, but must be kept a secret for now!

Working on a Rottweiler pastel portrait today.

2010-09-07T08:03:00.000-07:00

Another surprise portrait so just a glimpse for now.

Work in progress-Black Labrador portrait

2010-09-06T09:00:00.001-07:00

This is all so far, it's a surprise so that's all I can show! Still some work to do yet.

Spaniels in the woods

2010-08-25T14:32:00.000-07:00

These two working springer spaniels needed a woodland scene to sit in. There owner requested something similar to my 'waiting in the woods' card. It was great fun putting the two elements together.
Nina Squire
www.thepastelartist.co.uk
07967 736762

Terrier portrait

2010-08-25T13:10:00.001-07:00

This is a great photo to work from, bags of character! Looking forward to starting the fence, it's going to be a great portrait.

Hairy terriers!

2010-08-10T09:15:00.001-07:00

This was a challenge but great fun to draw! A real cutie!

Terrier portraits are great too-

2010-08-10T09:13:00.001-07:00

Especially when they have bags of character like this one!

Spaniel portrait - finishing touches

2010-08-10T09:08:00.001-07:00

It's been a busy few months with shows and events. This week gives me a chance to finish off various portraits ready for collection. Drawing spaniel portraits is still one of my favourite past times!

Demonstrating at the New Forest Show

2010-07-29T05:24:00.000-07:00

Nearly finished!

New Forest Show

2010-07-28T10:48:00.000-07:00

I'll be drawing at the New Forest Show. There's loads to see if you're in the area. Let me know if you can make it over.

Pastel workshops at Stewarts Garden Centre, Wimborne.

2010-07-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

Gillys been working on a fab picture of Badbury Rings. Finished just
in time for Summer holidays. We're now off to find more views for
inspiration ready for September when we'll start again!

Emmanuel Middle School - Flowers and Feltmaking

2010-07-13T05:23:00.000-07:00

We've been working with felt provided by Stewarts Garden Centre, to
make flower meadows, we've looked at different artists to get some
inspiration including Van Gogh and Monet. These iris's look fantastic!

Artist in residence at Stourfield Junior, Bournemouth

2010-07-09T05:05:00.001-07:00

I was lucky enough to be selected to work as artist in residence with Stourfield Junior as part of The Mermaid Princess project with Poole Lighthouse. I was asked to design a wall hanging with the children that responded to the Italian theatre company, Teatro Kismet, production of The Mermaid Princess. The children enjoyed the production and wanted to make a beautiful mermaid with a shoal of recycled fish alongside which was displayed with a beautiful woven background on an old fishing net. It was much bigger than we first thought it would be as the children loved weaving the net with the different materials to create the background – it just kept growing! The final product looked fantastic and far exceeded my initial ideas, the children added so much more than I could I have ever imagined, their enthusiasm was amazing! If you get the chance to see it pop in, it’s on display along with other art products from other local artists from tomorrow until the middle of September.

More information here The lighthouse poole.

My creative development day in Bridport

2010-07-08T00:33:00.000-07:00

I had a great day out at West Mead Creative with Ros Fry and Letty, her new pup. Ros has a wide range of experience in arts marketing and development and offers mentoring and advice for artists and creative businesses. Creative Dorset are supporting local artists with funding for career development. I’ve been to a number of Ros’s workshops and always come away feeling inspired so a one to one session was a great treat! Ros and I had a brainstorming afternoon and have now come up with some exciting plans for the next year. Dorset is a great place for artist’s, we get lots of extra support through Creative Dorset. I’ll be working on some new ideas, more to follow.....

More from Manor Park

2010-07-07T13:41:00.000-07:00

Manor Park School Arts Week

2010-07-07T13:39:00.000-07:00

Little Green Fingers Art Projects took silk painting to year 3 and 4
with Stewarts funding. The children worked together to make some
lovely silk panels. We made 15 over three days! The children were
fantastic at working together and designing the panels.

View from my office window ....

2010-06-18T06:39:00.001-07:00

Drawing horses today

Rory came to visit me at Stewarts during my Dorset Art Weeks exhibition

2010-06-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

Rory's been drawing and working on some water colours of North Wales
from his recent holidays. Check out his blog for more pics. www.roryroryrory.blogspot.com

Dorset Art Weeks

2010-06-02T09:25:00.000-07:00

Been working on a cow for my Dorset Art Weeks exhibition. It'll be on show along with some others at Stewarts from tomorrow until 13th June! Let me know if you're in the area.

Dorset Art Weeks 29th May to 13th June

2010-05-21T02:07:00.000-07:00

Dorset Art Weeks

If you are able to visit please give me a call to arrange a time.

Here's a link to my venue

http://www.dorsetartweeks.co.uk/index.php/daw/venue/daw1388.html

Felted landscapes at St Georges

2010-05-20T08:34:00.001-07:00

Here's my pastel painting of Stewarts Garden Centers flowering meadow
and the children's felted picture of it.

Silk painting at Brackenbury

2010-05-20T08:32:00.001-07:00

The children worked on some lovely pictures using silk paints. This
design is based on my painting of Stewarts Garden Centres flowering
meadow.

Four in a row!

2010-05-14T04:11:00.001-07:00

It's a challenge doing one pastel portrait but four in a row is nerve
racking! These are a lovely selection of characters and great fun to
draw. A bit of finishing off to do but nearly there!

Character portraits

2010-05-14T01:56:00.001-07:00

These two make a lovely pastel portrait. I'm glad you're pleased too Kazz. Nina

Pastel flower meadow with reception class at Hillview Primary School

2010-05-12T06:16:00.001-07:00

I've been working with Hillview as artist in residence to make a collage out of the childrens pastel flowers as part of the terms 'growing' theme. I showed the children how to use the pastels and looked at a selection of flowers and these were the results! Thier flowers are nearly as colourful as the ones at Stewarts!

Cheeky chickens for Dorset Arts Week!

2010-05-09T04:26:00.001-07:00

Trying to get everything ready for the exhibition. This ones nearly
done!

Leaky garage ....

2010-05-07T04:11:00.001-07:00

My workshop papers were sodden after a sudden downpour! Not one for
throwing things away my pastel class suggested a demo using 'wet on
wet' pastel technique. Joyce leant me some photos of chickens from
which I composed this! It'll be on display at Dorset Arts Week in a
few weeks time.

Pastel portrait Gift voucher for Heather.

2010-05-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

Heather came to pick up the portrait of her lovely dog, I'm pleased she liked it too.

Pastel pigs for Dorset Art Weeks!

2010-04-30T08:21:00.001-07:00

It's a juggling act to get work done around some pictures for DAW. I'm on target so far......

New photos from Schools workshops

2010-04-22T05:02:00.000-07:00

Work in progress....

2010-04-21T10:19:00.001-07:00

Working on pictures for Dorset Arts Week. These hounds are enjoying
the sunshine too! Just trying to soften some of the features down

Artist in residence at St Johns, Wimborne during Environment Week.

2010-04-20T03:25:00.001-07:00

Working with things from Dorset Scrap Store the children and me
created a flower scene by weaving it through the fence in the school grounds.
A great way of making use of wasted materials!

Spaniel pastel portrait

2010-04-14T10:41:00.001-07:00

Pastel portrait of a pretty spaniel - nearly finished!

This picture of a Daxi is just coming together! A little bit more work to do.

Birthday surprises!

2010-04-14T02:31:00.001-07:00

Just started this horse portrait commision for a birthday suprise, so this is all for now!

Monty - Springer spaniel pastel portrait and Bridget's 3 lovely labradors

2010-04-09T03:49:00.000-07:00

Just had this lovely message from Sarah -
Hi! Just to say thank you once again for the picture you did of Monty. Jack loves it as does everyone who has seen it. Thanks once again! Sarah
Thanks Sarah! Its one of my favourites too! Nina

Bridget sent me a note too.

A big thank you for the fabulous pastel portrait of our 3 labradors. It was a fantastic birthday surprise for my partner - he was thrilled, and the look on his face made the sneaking around and secrecy worthwhile! And thank you again for being so patient trying to photograph 3 crazy dogs who just wanted to play! All 3 dogs are such different characters and you've managed to capture their individual personalities perfectly - there's no doubting that's our girls. The picture has pride of place alongside the beautiful pastel you did of my Sheltie 2 years ago. Thanks again for the beautiful picture, and I'll be in touch again as we've got a new puppy arriving shortly!!!

Thanks Bridget!

Golden retrievers in pastel

2010-04-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

These two lovely Golden Retrievers are a good looking pair to draw as a pastel portrait . I've a little more to do but I think they are nearly there.

A little picture of Poppy the pony from an old photo.

My sheep at The Anchor, Shapwick

2010-03-31T14:46:00.000-07:00

The Anchor at Shapwick

The Anchor asked to have my Greyface-Dartmoor sheep paintings on display. They are beautfully framed in ash wood and ready for my DAW exhibition in May. The greetings cards with the same image on have been a best seller on my website.

The Anchor is a friendly pub and has a fantastic menu of local food in a lovely restaurant, just off the Badbury Rings road. Let me know what ewe think!

Pastel workshops at Stewarts, Wimborne

2010-03-24T04:33:00.000-07:00

Hope the start of spring has started you thinking about drawing the lovely Dorset scenery as it comes back to life. My pastel workshops are hosted by Stewarts Garden Centre, in the Phoenix Centre, Wimborne. It's a great with room with natural light and lots of space. The courses are suitable for beginners and experienced artists, a selection of pastels can be provided for beginners and experimentation. We’ll be covering all sorts of techniques and subjects to get you inspired to take your pastels out and capture a beautiful summer scene.

April 29 th, May 6 th, 13 th, 20 th and 27 th

May 29th to June 13th Dorset Art Weeks 2010 - come and watch demonstrations and see a huge range of artists at Stewarts Garden Centre. More details to follow

June 24 th , July, 1 st, 8 th and 15 th

More information on my website http://www.thepastelartist.co.uk/workshops.htm

or give me a call to chat through ideas. 01258 458803

Work in progress

2010-03-22T09:59:00.000-07:00

Working on a logo for a cattery. Cute kitten in a hammock!

4 working spaniels on the easel today - nearly finished

2010-03-22T06:47:00.001-07:00

I've been working on these for a few weeks, its been hard working on all four on the same piece of paper! Nerve racking until I had finished the bottom one which was the last to be started! The top one is Mum to the middle two and bottom one is the youngest addition. What a house full!

On the easel today - Cocker spaniel with springer spaniel markings and terrier portrait

2010-03-15T06:06:00.000-07:00

Working on a cocker spaniel pastel portrait that has springer spaniel markings. A slightly smaller dog but with the lovely markings of the springer spaniel! Its nearly finished after spending yesterday drawing it on a windy hilltop whilst at a P2P! Extreme drawing..... oh yes!

Terrier portrait nearly finished having been drawn in comfort in my studio!

Work in progress - labrador and terrier pastel portrait

2010-03-09T04:52:00.001-08:00

Pastel portrait of 3 lovely Labradors!

A pastel portrait of Abi's dog Toby

Gift voucher - Pastel workshops

2010-03-05T03:25:00.000-08:00

Keith came to two of my pastel workshops having recieved it as a Gift Voucher for Xmas. This is one of his pictures - its brilliant for someone who's not tried pastels before.

More information about a personalised Gift voucher

email nina@thepastelartist.co.uk

or visit

http://www.thepastelartist.co.uk/workshops.htm

More work in progress - Springer spaniel and labrador pastel portrait.

2010-03-01T04:27:00.000-08:00

Charlie's pastel portrait

Pastel portrait - work in progress

Work in progress

2010-03-01T03:37:00.000-08:00

Pastel portrait - work in progress.

Pastel workshops by Nina Squire

2010-02-24T00:49:00.000-08:00

Pastel workshops run by Nina Squire. Beautiful chickens by Deanne.

More info here http://www.thepastelartist.co.uk/workshops.htm

Woodpecker by Kate

Art workshops for Schools by Nina Squire - Free materials for schools who apply quickly! Generously provided by Stewarts Garden Centre

2010-02-23T06:27:00.000-08:00

Felt made flower meadows by Nina Squire!

New series of art workshops released for local schools in Dorset. Supported by Stewarts Garden Centre, Wimborne and run by, local artist, Nina Squire. More information on the website http://www.thepastelartist.co.uk/education.html