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Why I Paint in Soft Pastel

Whenever I tell someone I paint in soft pastel, there's often a brief pause. "Pastel... as in chalk?" Not quite. Soft pastel is pure pigment held together with just enough...

Why I Paint in Soft Pastel

Whenever I tell someone I paint in soft pastel, there's often a brief pause. "Pastel... as in chalk?" Not quite. Soft pastel is pure pigment held together with just enough...

The Fox Before the Exhibition

The Fox Before the Exhibition

I've been back in New Zealand for less than a week and I'm already covered in pastel dust. There's a fox on my easel. I need to tell you about...

The Fox Before the Exhibition

I've been back in New Zealand for less than a week and I'm already covered in pastel dust. There's a fox on my easel. I need to tell you about...

New Zealand Fantail pastel painting- Karen Gourley

Just Passing Through: The Story Behind My New F...

If you've ever had a fantail flutter around your head, you'll know exactly what I mean when I say they have absolutely no sense of personal space. I love it....

Just Passing Through: The Story Behind My New F...

If you've ever had a fantail flutter around your head, you'll know exactly what I mean when I say they have absolutely no sense of personal space. I love it....

Belfast Lough Karen Gourley Artist

Looking at Home Through Different Eyes

When I booked my flights back to Belfast, I was looking forward to seeing my family. What I didn't expect was to fall in love with the wildlife all over...

Looking at Home Through Different Eyes

When I booked my flights back to Belfast, I was looking forward to seeing my family. What I didn't expect was to fall in love with the wildlife all over...

Kotare Sacred Kingfisher framed fine art print, the New Zealand bird compared to the British kingfisher in this post

Same Name, Different Bird: How the Kotare Compa...

One of the questions I get asked quite a lot is whether the kotare is the same kingfisher people remember from home. The short answer is no. Having lived in...

Same Name, Different Bird: How the Kotare Compa...

One of the questions I get asked quite a lot is whether the kotare is the same kingfisher people remember from home. The short answer is no. Having lived in...

Close-up of a Eurasian eagle owl pastel painting in progress, showing detailed orange eyes and feather texture on black paper.

Painting a Eurasian Eagle Owl: Why I Couldn't R...

If you've been following me on social media, you'll have seen the rather intense pair of orange eyes staring back at you over the last few weeks. They're attached to...

Painting a Eurasian Eagle Owl: Why I Couldn't R...

If you've been following me on social media, you'll have seen the rather intense pair of orange eyes staring back at you over the last few weeks. They're attached to...