Artist Spotlight: Ian Rawling PS

Could you briefly introduce yourself and your artistic background?

Aged 16 I enrolled at Colchester School of Art, where I was tutored by John Nash and Edward Bawden. I went on to study Graphic Design at the Central School of Art & Design in London, now Central St Martins. My inspiration comes from the people, places and objects around me and my aim is to give each painting its own life. My work has been shown in many mixed exhibitions, including the Royal Academy of Arts, Ruth Borchard Self Portrait Competition, Royal Society of British Artists and the Royal Watercolour Society where I became the first female president in 2017. 

What appeals to you about painting still life? 

I like painting still life but I need the objects in the still life to hold memories for me, I need a relationship with them. I tend not to 'set up' a still life but I might hold the objects instead and place them individually into the painting. 

What subjects appeal to you and why?

I tend to look for objects with a bit of history or sense of nostalgia to them, like a rusty old toy car that has obviously been loved in the past. Also, I like bold, brightly coloured objects with strong highlights which can stand out against the mostly neutral backgrounds I give my paintings. Enamel coffee pots and teapots are a favourite of mine.

Have you always worked in pastels? Why do you like them?

My first proper go at pastels was when I was a student and I worked as a pavement artist in many cities across the UK. It was a great introduction to working under pressure and to get feedback, as well as paying for the odd holiday or two! Despite working with many different styles and techniques as a greetings card artist for many years, it was inevitable I'd come back to pastels eventually as I've always loved the immediacy and versatility of the medium. They are equally good for large flat areas as well as intricate detail, and are perfect for both blending and creating texture while the vast array of colours available is incredible.

What has been a highlight of your artistic career?

I really enjoy being an artist, and it's something I'd do even if I didn't have to work for a living.

It's difficult to pinpoint one particular highlight of my career so far, but selling my first ever painting in a gallery at fifteen gave me so much confidence. Seeing a range of greetings cards in a high street store for the first time was incredible, as was arriving at the Mall Galleries for my first participation in the Pastel Society exhibition to discover I'd already sold two of my paintings!

Do you have a favourite piece you are exhibiting at the PS Annual Exhibition 2025 and why?

My favourite painting of mine at this year's exhibition is probably Little Orange Teapot. Although it's quite a small and simple design, I just loved the vibrant colour of the object and all of its imperfections. I enjoyed the challenge of making it appear shiny while still paying attention to the subtle changes in light across the enamel surface.