Belgian artist Peter Livens presents an exquisite collection of works in pastel created in a classic style. Learn more by visiting his website.
![classic still life in pastel by Peter Livens](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Boch-Malines.jpg)
“Boch Malines” pastel, 80 x 36 cm
Since early childhood, I have been interested in drawing and painting. I attended the Art Academy (High School for the Arts) in Lier, Belgium. When I was 18, I started my higher education in Visual Arts in Antwerp and graduated five years later.
![stack of teacups classic still life in pastel](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Boch-Cups-Gathering.jpg)
“Boch Cups Gathering” pastel, 20 x 30 cm
As a visual artist, nature has always inspired me. However, I also look beyond the purely realistic representation. Light and atmosphere are key elements in my oeuvre.
![pastel drawing of Christmas ornaments](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Colours-of-Christmas-Past-.jpg)
“Colours of Christmas Past” pastel, 33 x 28 cm
It still fascinates me to see how light can be so different depending on the time of day, the geographic location and the season. Being in a certain place at a certain time can create a unique tangible atmosphere.
![pastel drawing of an abandoned building](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/The-Schoon-Plaats.jpg)
“The Schoon Plaats” pastel, 40 x 50 cm
I try to evoke in my work the feelings that I experience. This explains why dilapidated and abandoned buildings have become one of my favorite subjects. There is often a special, mysterious atmosphere in these buildings. Everything there is worn out, with a story to tell.
![pastel drawing of an old chateau interior](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/The-Abandonded-Chateau.jpg)
“The Abandoned Chateau” pastel, 84 x 54 cm
After a long and interesting journey through the world of charcoal drawing, I turned to pastel art. The pastel medium fits perfectly with what I want to realize—to create light and atmosphere. I try to achieve this through balanced tones and colors, respecting their subtle nuances.
![still life in pastel, butter and sugar](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/The-Sticky-Jar-.jpg)
“The Sticky Jar” pastel, 32 x 20 cm
For my still life paintings, I gather objects on the canvas that together tell a story in complete silence. It is up to the viewers to fill in this story based on their own personal experiences.
![pastel landscape of Grand Calanque, France](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Grand-Calanque-France.jpg)
“Grand Calanque (France)” pastel, 72 x 52 cm
It is also a quest for a balanced composition and beauty of things through textures, reflections and the play of light on objects. Spatiality also plays an important role in this. Within this space, I want the play of light to show its full power, in order to create a quiet beauty.
![pastel landscape of a beach in France](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Le-Touquet-Paris-Plage-.jpg)
“Le Touquet (Paris Plage)” pastel, 74 x 54 cm
I have been a member of the Royal Art Circle Het Steen for many years. We meet weekly to draw and paint in the studio. Gradually I have taken on the role of teacher. I enjoy sharing with others my passion and experience for drawing and pastel.
Peter Livens invites you to follow on Facebook.
Speak Your Mind