Fiona’s pastel work covers a wide range of topics, from landscapes and seascapes to still life and portraiture. ‘Moving Colour’ refers to the process of creating a pastel work. It is a very tactile, direct process, moving pure pigment across the paper, directly connecting the artist physically with the creation of the work. ‘Moving Colour’ is also a reference to the emotional connection that colour reflects and generates. 

Fiona has been focusing upon her still life work over the past few years, several of which are seen on display for the first time together in this exhibition.

Of particular note, are the Conkers pictures, of which ‘Fallen’ and ‘Wonder’ were included in The Pastel Society UK exhibition at The Mall Galleries, London in May. ‘Wonder’ was awarded The Artist Magazine Award 2023.

‘High Tea’ and ‘Afternoon Tea’ are part of a series of paintings of teapots loaned by the community of Shotley Bridge. Each teapot belongs to a different household and represents the support and friendship that is shared over the humble cuppa. Because tea is never just about tea, but about sorting out problems, listening and caring. One of the pictures in this series, ‘Tea & Sympathy’ was selected for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in London this year.