Artist Spotlight: Ian Rawling PS

Could you briefly introduce your background?

I grew up in Chester where I completed an art foundation course before moving to Sheffield to do a degree in Industrial/Product Design. Following this I became a greetings card artist working for companies such as Hallmark Cards and Card Factory, before concentrating on fine art (especially pastels) about ten years ago. I still live in Sheffield and have a studio in the city centre.

Who would you say are your main influences?

I have always loved the pastels of Degas and whenever I get to see them in a gallery will spend ages stood as close as I can get to them, studying his incredible mark making ability. There are many contemporary realist painters that I admire, but it was when I first saw Chuck Close's gigantic portraits that looked like photographs from a distance, that I decided realism was the direction I wanted to go in.

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.