About me.

I was born and raised in Swindon where I went to Euclid Street Art College in the early 1990s. In my early years I also studied Art and Aesthetics at Cardiff University. I am trained in makeup and teach at New College Swindon on a Media Makeup Course.

I have a love of elaborate makeup/body paintings and costumes - this has led to the creation of Artsite Alternative Life Drawing, which is currently held once a month @thelittlehop in Swindon. I particularly like drawing faces/bodies in unusual poses. I use my drawings as a basis for collages and embroideries whereby I continue to build layers with applique and stitch.

I have worked in community arts for many years teaching a wide variety of groups including parents and children, cared for children, carers, those experiencing mental health issues, refugees, and school clubs.

I am a member of Artsite, which is an artist led collective based in Theatre Square, Swindon. I am a member of Swindon Urban Sketchers Swindon where we meet once a month somewhere in Swindon and draw our environment, some of these pieces are included on the shop.

I run the @visualartswindon Instagram page which focusses on artists from the SN area.

As well as drawing and embroidery I also create seasonal decorations using upcycled/recycled fabric and go under the name of @bardwellsbaubles on Instagram.




About my drawing process.

I am a mixed media artist for whom drawing forms the basis of my work.

I draw in pen so the journey of the drawing is documented in the final piece,  depending on the drawing I then add inks, paint, pen or pastels to bring in highlights or explore negative space.

I always draw from observation and have a particular interest in portraiture and life drawing.

I strive for a likeness in my work but retain an energy by stopping just as the image begins to 'hold' together.  I aim to capture an essence of the pose or the physical presence of the model whilst being economical with the lines.

I always favour a coloured background to my work, this creates an immediate atmosphere in the drawing; the colour can act as a mid-tone and finally I find it less intimidating than a blank white surface.

My drawings form the basis of my other work, my mixed media portraits and embroidery pieces.