Sarais Crawshaw

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Artist Name: Sarais Crawshaw

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Tuition

I give daytime or evening talks and demonstrations to Art Societies.

This usually involves a Pastel Demonstration, but I can also demonstrate in Acrylics , or in other drawing media, particularly Colour Pencils of all types.

In a Workshop for an evening or full/half day, I can give more individual instruction in the same media.
As my subject matter relates largely to animals, I prefer to cover an aspect of this whilst teaching.
Art Societies or other groups are welcome to contact me.

Biography

Wildlife and wild places have fascinated me since childhood.
After teaching art at secondary school until 1983, I now work as a full-time artist. I mostly use acrylic paint or soft pastel,but also sometimes woodcut & linocut prints, papercut, pencil or mixed media.
I am particularly inspired by cats of all sizes, and many of these are found in my work.
Most of my work is based on my love of British wildlife, and I spend time in the countryside surrounding my home, or in the wilder areas of Wales, Northumberland and Scotland, gathering reference for my work back at the studio.
I make quick field sketches, use a camcorder and camera, and try to observe, and later depict the animals in their natural habitat.
I exhibit regularly throughout Britain, & give talks, demonstrations and workshops.
My pictures are used by Greetings Cards publishers, and I have illustrated several features for BBC Wildlife Magazine.

Exhibitions

In 2012 I shall be showing my work in joint exhibitions at a variety of venues both local and national - including the National Exhibition of Wildlife Art (NEWA) in Cheshire in July,and The Society of Feline Artists (SOFA) at The Llewellyn Alexander Gallery in London in August/September.

From June 1st to 10th,I shall have work in the annual Exhibition of The Wildlife Art Society International (TWASI)at "Nature in Art", Wallsworth Hall, Gloucestershire. On the Bank Holiday weekend, the Exhibition will include an "Art Extra" display, with artist's demonstrations and owl flying displays, as well as workshops. More details at www.twasi.com

This year is Warwickshire Open Studios, and I shall be opening my Studio to visitors during June 30th to July 15th, Fridays to Sundays 10am-5pm. During this time I shall hope to demonstrate my work, and give visitors an idea of the process behind the artwork.

With three other friends, I shall again be exhibiting as "The Wild Bunch" at Dunchurch Village Hall near Rugby on the weekend of 27th/28th October.
We hope to interest visitors by demonstrating in our various styles during the exhibition, and will also have delicious teas and cakes available!

My local Art Society, the Rugby & District,will be putting on several joint exhibitions around Rugby, which I shall also be entering work for.

This year I hope to spend plenty of time out in the field, concentrating on British Wildlife, with trips planned to Cumberland in June,and to Scotland in the autumn.

I have been expanding my use of media lately, and hope to exhibit some of my work in woodcut & linocut printing, as well as papercuts.
Several themes have been emerging, including the light and colour seen at dawn & dusk, and effects seen on water.

Email me if you would like further details.

Awards

2001 People's Choice Award at Rugby Art Gallery Open Exhibition,with "Taking it Easy", painting of a leopard.

2002 won Highly Commended Professional Category of Wildscape Artist of the Year Competition with "Who Goes There?", painting of a leopard.

2006 People's Choice Award at Harborough Open Exhibition, with "Sun Spot", painting of a domestic cat.

2007 The Wildlife Art Society International,
Annual Exhibition - The Christopher Parsons Award for artistic excellence,for a portfolio of four works on "The Foxes of North Warwickshire".

2008 The Wildlife Art Society International, Annual Exhibition - awarded Highly Commended for "Holly Robin", painting of a Robin.

2008 Awarded Highly Commended in the Editor's Selection Professional Category of Wildscape Magazine's Wildlife Artist of the Year Competition, with "Eye Contact", a painting of a Gorilla.

2008 The Rod Waspe Art Prize at the Rugby Art Gallery Open Exhibition, with "Reed Stalker", an acrylic painting of a Heron.

2009 The Wildlife Art Society International Annual Exhibition - The Christopher Parsons Award for Artistic Excellence,for a portfolio of four paintings on the theme "Freshwater Birds & their Habitats".