About Heather Stone

Many years ago, as a 16 year old, I flew over Dartmoor in a light aircraft. I was intrigued by the vast numbers of little circles on the ground that I could see from the air, and later, when I learnt that they were hut circles, I wanted to walk the Moor and discover its archaeology for myself. Over the years I have tramped all over Dartmoor with family and friends and been enthralled by the mysterious stone rows and circles, burial mounds and standing stones.

Although I loved to draw as a young girl, my career took a different direction and it was only when I retired that I discovered the delights of pastels after joining the quirky and delightful art class at Spreyton, under the tutelage of my friend, Kari McGowan. I began to pastel the wild places of Dartmoor and, in particular, the stones and the huge, dramatic skies.

At home, in my art studio I listen to music whilst covering the paper (and myself) in pastel. My music taste ranges from Mozart to ‪Whitesnake‬ and I often give vent to some pretty loud and tone deaf singing.

Luckily for me, my daughter and her family live on the Moors and my work is exhibited at the National Trust Gallery in Widecombe. This means I am often up there and, whilst walking my Jack Russell, I have ample opportunity to contemplate the subject of my next picture (not to mention anticipating a cream tea in Widecombe!)

My DNA testifies that I am a Devonshire Dumpling, born and bred, but I don’t restrict my interests only to Dartmoor. I love painting landscapes and the exciting coastlines of Devon and CornwalI afford plenty of inspiration. I like to imagine my forebears working on the land or at sea – and so I am disinclined to include too many modern intrusions!

Selling my work has been a very exciting progression and I am grateful to my family and friends for encouraging and helping me. Every age has its compensations and this venture has helped me to ignore those irritating restrictions of age and to come to terms with saggy skin.

Thanks so much to the younger generation, though, who have helped me think young!