Michele Ashby PS

Statement

With a passion for pastels and a love of narrative, whether painting a portrait or still life, Ashby’s attention to detail and meticulous mark making help to make the ordinary extraordinary. With her design background she understands the importance of strong composition, lighting and crop within her work.

Her work has earned many accolades since becoming a full-time artist. In 2016 she exhibited at venues such as The National Arts Club in New York, The Butler Institute of American Art in Ohio, The Zhou B Art Center in Chicago, as well as with several Art Societies at The Mall Galleries. Her works have been featured in international publications including the Pastel Journal, Pratique Des Arts, Artists and illustrators Magazine, The Artist Magazine and Portraits for NHS Heroes.

Ashby enjoys working from life as well as from her own photo references. She tries to draw everyday and attends regular portrait and life drawing classes. She works from her studio in Suffolk.

Bio

Having graduated with a BA (Hons) Degree in Graphic Design, Ashby forged a successful career leading to running her own business in the same subject for many years. In her relatively short career as an artist she has had many successes by way of prizes, competitions, exhibitions and publications.

Memberships

Michele is a member of the Pastel Society, Master Pastellist and Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America, a Master Circle Member of IAPS (International Association of Pastel Societies), a Council Member of the Society of Women Artists, an Associate Member of the Society of Graphic Fine Artists, a Member of the Institute of East Anglian Artists and a Unison Colour Pastels Associate Artist.