Scottish Nature-Inspired Pastel Landscape Paintings

Every new collection of work begins with a learning phase for me—absorbing, experimenting, and finding new ways to see. Over the past few months, I’ve been diving into the techniques of other artists whose work inspires me, and using those lessons to shape my own path with pastels.

I’ve admired Alain Picard Instagram for his beautifully loose, painterly pastel techniques that show how expressive the medium can be. Scott Naismith Instagram has taught me so much about colour, particularly his vibrant use of the CMY palette to create striking, luminous combinations. And I’ve been captivated by Mark Lague’s Instagram approach to “lost and found” edges, which bring mystery and movement to his pieces. Studying their work has helped me refine my own way of handling pastels—while keeping true to the moments that inspire me.

Those moments almost always come from being out in nature. Many of my ideas spark during walks with my dog, when the Scottish landscape reveals fleeting flashes of magic. I’ve stopped in my tracks watching the sun strike a field until it glows like molten gold. I’ve noticed seeds drifting on the wind, catching the light as they spiral away. I’ve looked up at skies shifting dramatically—clouds clashing in shape and colour, leaving me unsure whether a thunderstorm or a burst of sunshine will arrive next. Scotland’s ever-changing weather brings constant surprises, and it’s that energy and unpredictability that I try to carry into my work.

When I’m at the easel, I use pastels to capture both the softness and the vibrancy of these scenes. Blending creates gentle transitions and a dreamlike haze, while sharper marks and broken edges add contrast, energy, and texture. The crumbly nature of pastel itself often becomes part of the artwork, giving it life and character.

"Golden Glow"

Though my pieces are inspired by the Scottish landscape, they’re not realist in style. I lean

more toward impressionism—aiming to capture the feeling of being in that moment, rather than recording every detail. Sometimes I let a hint of whimsy or fantasy slip in too, because for me, nature often feels like something out of a story—both familiar and otherworldly.

This balance of realism and imagination is what excites me most in my latest landscapes. They’re as much about mood and atmosphere as they are about land, sky, and light. Ultimately, I hope they invite others to pause and feel those fleeting, magical moments of nature too.

✨ If you’d like to bring a touch of this magic into your own home, you can view my landscape prints here on my website.