Joan said her love for pastel art had been something that happened quite suddenly.

“The immediacy of pastel had an instant attraction for me and I find it a very forgiving medium, though I love watercolour break now and then,” she said.

“In 1998 I was awarded a Pastel society of America Scholarship to New York for six weeks of  classes and this was tremendously exciting and cemented my love of pastel, though pen and ink is a favourite for sketching while travelling.”

For those looking to start a passion with pastels, Joan said patience was key in creating a beautiful piece of art.

“As beginners we get fairly precious about a piece of paper, and persistence is the name of the game I have found,” she said.

“Enjoying the process of creating gives a wonderful space from the demands of everyday life and remains a joy for me as the years advance.”