We are delighted to announce the new “Seascape” selection, created in collaboration with British artist Richard Suckling, and the launch of a partnership that will see Richard leading workshops at our studios in the Périgord.
Based in Newlyn, Cornwall, Richard has developed a practice dedicated to coastal landscapes and plein air studies, working primarily in soft pastel a medium he particularly values for its ability to capture light and the immediacy of a scene.
Trained at the Cambridge School of Art, Richard began his career as an illustrator in London before turning fully to landscape painting. His artistic journey led him to the West Country, where the coastline and ever-changing Cornish light became his main source of inspiration.
His work combines a keen observation of nature with an expressive approach to pastel, privileging gesture, mark-making, and chromatic clarity to convey the brilliance of sea and sky.
Richard enjoys working en plein air: he creates numerous lively and energetic sketches during his outdoor sessions quick studies that later feed into his more finished studio pieces. As he explains, he loves making small plein air studies when travelling, as the light and rhythm of the scene demand speed and honesty of mark.
This balance between studio and outdoor work gives his seascape pieces their instantly recognisable, shimmering vitality.
« Seascape » a box designed for painting the sea
The Seascape set of 50 pastels reflects Richard’s chromatic universe: a broad range of marine blues and greens to express the transparency of water; soft blue-greys and slate tones for shifting skies; and warm accents peach, ochre, coral that act as flickers of light on the water’s surface or along the shore.
This selection is ideal for both quick outdoor sketches and more developed studio works. It provides the full palette required to render reflections, sea spray, and the subtle tonal transitions that characterise Suckling’s work inspired by his own demonstrations and workshops.
And not to be missed: his favourite colour Blue Grey 419, one he uses time and again!
Who is this new composition for?
The Seascape box is designed for artists and pastel painters wishing to explore seascapes, coastal scenes, and the effects of light. It is conceived to be immediately practical equally suited to outdoor and studio work a cohesive, well-balanced set inspired by the eye of a painter who spends his life observing the sea.
Teaching through expression Richard’s workshops at Pastels Girault
Richard regularly teaches in the UK and abroad. His workshops combining demonstration and individual practice encourage a freer, more expressive approach to pastel, while still grounding students in the fundamentals of drawing, composition, and tonal values.
We are thrilled to welcome him to lead workshops at Pastels Girault, where he will share his methods for capturing the “sparkle on the water”, movement, and coastal light.
The first session, held in October 2025, was a great success the beginning of a long and inspiring collaboration for everyone involved.
Richard has expressed his enthusiasm for working with us; for our part, this partnership represents a meaningful exchange between artisan craftsmanship and artistic practice, offering participants a complete experience high-quality instruction combined with materials designed by and for pastel artists.
