My Story: Contemporary Artist Tandy Pengelly
As a professional artist residing in the picturesque countryside of France, I find my greatest inspiration in the ever-changing beauty of the rural landscape. The vivid colours of the fields, the gentle sway of the wildflowers, and the dramatic play of light and shadow across the foliage captivate my senses and ignite my creativity.
Through my paintings, I strive to capture the essence of nature as seen through the lens of my passion and perception, translating the beauty and tranquility of the French countryside onto canvas.
Each brushstroke is a testament to my deep connection with the natural world, an invitation for viewers to immerse themselves in the serene yet dynamic environment that surrounds me. My work is not merely a reflection of what I see but a profound expression of what I feel—a celebration of the vibrant life and boundless energy that nature offers.
Beyond my visual art, I am also dedicated to empowering others through my self-help books.My writings are an extension of my artistic philosophy, aimed at helping people embrace an authentic, vibrant, and creative existence. I believe that by nurturing our creative spirit and appreciating the abundance around us, we can lead lives filled with joy, purpose, and fulfilment. In both my paintings and my books, my mission is to inspire others to see the world through new eyes, to find beauty in simplicity, and to live with a heart full of gratitude and creativity.
Art offers us so many opportunities to view our world from a different perspective.
Through my dual passions of art and writing, I endeavour to illuminate the path to a richer, more vibrant life for all.
My Bio - Contemporary and Abstract Artist Tandy Pengelly
Education:
1992: Attended West Sussex University: BA Fine and Literature
1999: Completed BSc Psychology: Open University
2001: I began my journey of Yoga, Buddhist, and Shamanic Studies.
2003: London Institute City and Guilds: Teaching Art and Design - Adult Education.
2008: Australian Indigenous Cultural Studies: NSW Tafe.
2021: Art Gallery Owner Certificate Course: IAP Learning.
2022: MA Creative Writing: Teesside University
2023: Surface Pattern Design Professional Training: Make it in Design
Exhibitions:
2009: Regional Arts Exhibition, Gympie Queensland Australia
2015: Solo Exhibition, Cafe La Gare, Rouillac, Charente France
2021: Solo Exhibition, Abbey Royale, Celles sur Belle, Deux Sevres, France.
2022: Solo Exhibition, Abbey Royale, Celles sur Belle, Deux Sevres, France.
Competitions:
2009: Won 1st Prize Gympie Regional Arts Competition.
2021: Semi-Finalist with 'Jonquille Joy'. International Art Competition 'In The Wild' held by The Artist Lounge.
2021: Finalist with 'Lost Wisdom'. International Art Competition held by The Artist Lounge.
2022: Awarded one of the top 15 artists and artworks in the International Abstract Art Competition with Light Space and Time.
2023: Awarded 'Mentioned Artist' in the International Figurative Art Competition with Light Space and Time.
2023: Finalist for International Open Art Competition with Art Unlimited
Publications:
2019: Published 'Breaking the Attention of Pain'. A book about the innate connection of the Mind, Body and Spirit.
2021: Featured in 'The Artist Lounge' Art Journal.
2021: Article in Le Courrier de l'ouest
E-Courses:
2021: Launch of the Break Free and Create E-Course, looking at how to break create blocks and re-ignite our innate creativity.
Books:
2024: Launch of my 4th book 'Artful Awakening'.
Galleries:
2021: Saatchi Art International Gallery.
www.saatchiart.com/tandypengelly
2021: Art Evince Gallery, London
www.artevince.com/abstract-artist-tandy-pengelly/
Artist's Statement: Contemporary Artist Tandy Pengelly
After University, I was disheartened with the art industry and my creative voice and did not paint for many years. But that changed in 2007 when I once again found my way back to the canvas, and in 2009 I entered an Art Competition and won first prize for a vibrant seascape in a regional art competition in Queensland, Australia.
This certainly spurned me on to start to bring the creative part of my nature to life again and continue painting for the joy of painting, for myself and for my friends and family. But in 2015, I decided to move from part-time artist to professional artist and began the process of transition, which resulted in my first local solo exhibition in France.
The more that I honoured my inner voice of creativity, the more I noticed the deepening of my connection to my spirituality. The years spent teaching yoga and studying Buddhism and Shamanism has shown me the importance of honouring your authentic voice, and being true to that deep voice within you. The call of creativity.
My technique and style is a blend between Literal Art and Abstract Expressionism. I use oils and mixed media, and my paintings are often highly textured, large, and vibrant. It is, however, always an expression of the Spiritual energy of Nature.
As creative beings we cannot ignore what is deep within each and every one of us.
My style is vibrant, intuitive and free flowing, where I often simply paint with my fingers, when I really feel the need to connect deeply to my subject matter, feeling the contours of the animals form. My seascapes are bright and abstract with free flowing strokes and blending. It is important for me to grow and evolve as an artist and not rest behind one comfortable technique.
I believe that art should inspire us to deepen our connection to the beauty of Nature and the expansive canvas of life. Awaken the senses and allow us to stop, pause and reconnect to all that surround us and is within us.
Professional Development
Although initially studying Art and Literature many years ago at the now West Sussex University, I believe that, like any profession ones needs to continue to learn, develop and evolve techniques. Therefore I have continued to study with different professional artists to learn new techniques and develop my skills as an artist. Over the years my craft has developed and my technique and style is a blend between Literal Art and Abstract Expressionism. I use oils and mixed media, and my paintings are often highly textured, large and vibrant. It is however, always an expression of the Spiritual energy of Nature.
- 2018: Floral Bowley
- 2019: Roisin O’Farrell
- 2020: Charla Maarschalk
- 2020: Jean Haines
- 2021: Ciara Gilmore
- 2021: Paulette Insall
- 2021: Tracey Verdugo
- 2023: Surface Pattern Design Training
Exhibtions and Creative Work
Exhibitions: Tandy Pengelly
2021 was an exciting year for me because I launched my new virtual Break Free and Create E-Course, to help creative souls find their innate creativity and break free from the constraints of self-doubt.
I also completed a successful month-long solo exhibition in September, at the beautiful Abbey in Celles sur Belle, Deux Sevres, France. This exhibition was to celebrate the 'Similarities within Diversity', and was a collection of my work. This allowed me to really see how my style had developed over the years.
In 2022 I returned to my third solo month-long exhibition and focused much more on my vibrant textured abstract work. This was very successful and allowed me to sell many pieces and take commissions. I certainly learnt the benefit of creating a much more cohesive body of work for exhibitions.
2023 has seen me once again return to some more contemporary work, and I am enjoying painting intuitively. I can certainly see my signature style throughout my work in the vibrant colours, brush strokes and texture, but I refuse to push myself into a 'single style box'....my art comes through me, and I let the creative process guide my way.
- March 2021: Break Free and Create E-Course
- September 2021: Solo Exhibtion 'Similaries in Diversity'.
