Dot Steel is a local landscape artist who specialises in soft pastels, oils and acrylics. She is particularly drawn to the effects of light and shade in nature and the magical effects this can elicit.  Much of her subject matter is drawn from her exploration of Northumberland and the Scottish Borders where she enjoys fell-walking (with the camera never far away). Although travelling in the Greek islands is also a source of inspiration.

Drawn to Art from a very early age, her formal study, following Art ‘A’ level, began while studying for a BEd. This presented creativity in a highly educational context and involved dismantling any preconceptions about acceptable artistic form.

Further knowledge of European Modern Art was acquired while studying for an Open University (Psychology) degree which provided insight into many artistic techniques through the centuries.

Currently a member of the Cullercoats Art Group and attending classes at North Shields, she is moving towards larger scale works and developing techniques to create the illusion of perspective.

Dot’s other passion is pencil and charcoal portrait sketching with particular emphasis upon capturing emotion in the subject.

 In addition, she designs, creates and sells her own jewellery using a variety of beading techniques. She has won competitions at Craft Fairs in the Scottish Borders for both her jewellery and for her oil landscapes.

Her future aspirations include the use of mixed media to create the mood-inducing chiaroscuro effects associated with moonlight.