Pastel artist Donatella Nardari creates dreamlike and symbolic paintings inspired by history and culture. See more by visiting her website.
“Carpe Diem” oil pastel, 61,5 cm x 91,5 cm
I started drawing at an early age. I prevalently drew figures which represented the stories I conjured up for myself.
“Innocenza” oil pastel, 89,5cm x 63,5cm
I discovered paint at a later stage, but soon, to my utter and continued regret, found out that I couldn’t tolerate either oil or acrylic paint fumes. This severely restricted the range of mediums at my disposal.
“One Moment in Time” oil pastel, 61,5cm x 91,5cm
Watercolor didn’t particularly appeal to me, so I resorted to pastels, specifically oil pastels. They are versatile in texture and blending. They also react differently to surfaces. Many of the pieces I present here are oil pastel on canvas, but oil pastels also produce interesting effects on different paper surfaces.
“Papageno” collage, 23cm x 50,5cm
I have recently discovered collage. It gives me more tonal variety and offers a different challenge to that of drawing on surfaces.
“Growing Pains” oil pastel, 61cm x 46cm
Because of my music studies, art was very much a sidelined matter. Later, teaching would keep me away from what was always for me an underlying need—that of making images. To make imagery that fully satisfies me remains a target.
“Bird of Paradise with Buck’ oil pastel, 61,5cm x 91,5cm
The images I present here relate to my origins, my culture and my present surroundings. I am Italian by birth, but grew up in South Africa. Except for several years spent in Italy and Austria, I still live in South Africa.
“Beauty & the Beast” oil pastel, 91,5cm x 61,5cm
With time and growing awareness, I have come to realize how connected I am to my roots. My prevailing interest is in Graeco-Roman culture, with its representation in sculpture, mythology, architecture etc. I also have an interest in painting and its strong tradition in Italy.
“The Muse” oil pastel, 63,5cm x 89,5cm
My present residence is situated in an area which is not quite Bushveld, but almost. This means daily contact with nature and various animals, tamed and wild. Nature remains intriguing in its various manifestations, often surprising, unexpected and mysterious.
“Two’s Company” oil pastel, 61,5cm x 91,5cm
These various strains, as mentioned above, have influenced my work. I do wish to emphasize that I am not making a realistic portrayal of a scene. Rather, I am trying to capture the elusive quality of experience, be it emotional or observational.
Donatella Nardari invites you to follow on Instagram and Circle Arts.