A bit crowded here! (2016) Painting by Ivan Jones

I am a pastel artist living and working in the heart of the Herefordshire countryside, in the UK, having been brought up in Nottinghamshire. I was introduced to pastels as a teenager by a friend of my father's and in fact I still have remnants of my first set of pastels.

At 16, I chose a career as a veterinary surgeon, rather than go to art college. However, in my retirement in 1999 I pursued my interest in the creative arts, specialising in pastels as my chosen medium. I like to think that my understanding of animals allows me to add something extra to my artwork.

Modern pastels and pastel pencils allow for more detailed artwork with increased depth and vibrancy. I make full use of this to create a style that is unique to me. Today commission work occupies much of my time, with subjects ranging from portraits and pet portraits to landscapes, and vintage and racing cars.

I have completed a large number of artworks in the past 25 years, many of which can be seen on my website. I admire the work of many artists including the Impressionists, Pre-Raphaelites, David Shepherd, Simon Coombes, and many of my contemporaries.

• Nationality: UNITED KINGDOM
• Date of birth : 1942
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary British Artists