About Fiona
Hi, I’m Fiona Twigg. I’m a pastel artist based in Carlisle, Cumbria.
I work from a small make-shift art room at home with my studio assistant, Storm the bearded collie, usually asleep under the easel.
My Work
I paint atmospheric, historical landscapes in a loose, naive style I call wobbly.
I work in both soft and hard pastels on premium acid-free Clairefontaine paper, which gives that rich texture and depth of colour. You’ll see a lot of rain-soaked cobblestones, vintage street lamps, warm light spilling from shop windows, and a strong play of light and shadow. People often tell me the colour pulls them in and the scenes feel nostalgic, like stepping back in time.
How it Started
I began with pet portraits from photos. I never aimed for a perfect copy.
I wanted to catch the look a dog gives you when you pick up the lead, or the way the light hits their eyes. My direction changed when photographer MJ Turner kindly gave me permission to paint from his images. His moody, Victorian street scenes were exactly what I’d been trying to find.
Where to find my Work
Prints and cards are currently available at the historic Carlisle Old Town Hall.
I’m building this website as my main portfolio, with the hope of showing in a gallery in the future. I’m so grateful to everyone who already has a piece hanging on their wall.
Commissions
I love painting places and pets that mean something to you.