Artist Spotlight: Anna Dawson

As Dry Media month approaches, we spoke to Anna Dawson, a pastel and pencil artist based in London, England. She is known for her incredible drawings of seascapes. Art for her is relaxing and she pours her heart and soul into every piece she creates. Keep reading to learn more about Anna’s journey as an artist.

Where are you from and where do you currently reside?

I am originally from Yaroslavl, Russia, however, I currently reside in London, England.

What drew you to working with pastels, and how did it feel when you did it for the first time?

I attempted to use pastels in February 2020 and began to take courses throughout the year for pastel art. I felt like I was in my element completely as soon as I began to use them.

What has kept you engaged and committed to your craft over the years?

When I draw my seascapes, I feel at peace. I enjoy allowing my mind to rest whilst I produce my pieces.

How have you grown as an artist in the past five years and what are the major contributing factors to your growth?

I began to take courses in 2020 and would practice my skills three times a week. This continued to help me develop my skills and kept me motivated.

What materials do you most commonly use?

I only work with soft pastels and pastel pencils.

What are some of your favorite pieces you’ve done?

I personally loved Far away (2022), Peace and Tranquility (2022), and Sunny Coast (2022).

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming pastel artists? Are there any tips or techniques you can offer?

Find the right courses that match your preferences. If you don’t enjoy pastels, try to find other mediums or imagery that fit your taste as commitment is key to success. Practice as much as you can. If needed, I also have video tutorials that are in Russian, but have English subtitles. (These can be found below).