Cristina Sidhu

artist statement

In my pastel paintings, I reveal the Light that I find so inspirational. A wide range of values adds depth and emotion to my work. Using irregular strokes and varied pressure, I portray the play of light in many different ways, such as a reflection bouncing off the surface of water, diffused light through mist, the sparkle of glass or dramatic shadows, so that the viewer is drawn into and affected by the mood I have captured. The coloured paper I work on is carefully chosen to compliment the subject and the eraser is one of my best tools; using strokes with the eraser, I bring out the coloured background as part of the painting. I add a touch of mystery to figurative works by showing the backs of their heads or side quarter view of their faces. Although their features are not visible, they are unmistakably identifiable.

selected biography

Cristina is originally from New Jersey. After graduating high school with high honours and awards for her artistic contributions to the school, she attended Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts where she majored in Studio Art. Her junior year was spent at the Sir John Cass School of Art in London, England. In 1991 received her BFA with honours. In 1996 she established Dancing Horse Design offering both graphic design and fine art services. In 2005 she was instructed by noted pastel artist Dave Beckett after which she began working exclusively in Soft Pastel. In 2006 she moved to Nova Scotia and has since been painting and exhibiting regularly. Her works have been shown at Local, National and Internationally Juried Exhibitions. She is a member of VANS, the Sackville Art Association, the Amherst Arts Council Association, the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club of NYC, and Pastel Artists Canada.