Moira Savage
Artwork for Moira Savage
Details
How would you describe the work you do and why?
My neurodivergent thinking enables me to experience places and objects in a deeply multisensory and holistic way. I see colours as vibrating, dancing, bouncing off and contrasting with each other. When I’m painting in acrylics or pastels, conveying the colourscape is really important to me. Whether the colours are a ‘whispered conversation’, as in sand dunes at West Wittering beach; or a burst of joyous celebration, as in Michaelmas Star, The Picton Gardens, Colwall. As I learn more about art I’m beginning to see myself as primarily a colourist. I love organising my pastel colours and find myself collecting colour charts and revelling in their beautiful names; mossy green, rose violet, lavender blue, dusky rose grey… Flowers feature frequently in my still life paintings. I enjoy blocking out the surrounding noise and studying their component parts, form, textures; how they find and settle in to their place in an arrangement. In Velveteen Rumba I was absorbed in the red hues and how the velvet texture of the Zinnia petals might feel. The variations of red in the petals reminded me of how light would fall on opulent red velvet fabric. When working in acrylic paint I often incorporate textured mediums and under-paint in flowing acrylic inks. I enjoy the fullness of form offered by applying think paints with brushes and knives.
For you what does being an artist mean?:
In 2023 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and a gruelling recovery began. Painting became the moments when the panic calmed and I found a voice in the language of colours, textures and movement of the paint.
Describe what you call yourself/your practice?:
I’m a painter and pastel artist inspired by nature; landscapes, plants and flowers are recurring muses. I find joy in colour, texture and expression. Whenever possible I like to sketch and paint outdoors on location; also amassing photo mementos to bring back to the studio. My sketchbook and photo references transport me back to how it felt to be present in the location, and it is this sense of place I hope to evoke in my landscape work. I’m very lucky to be surrounded by nature and beautiful landscapes around Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
Your practice & activities include e.g workshops, teaching:
Malvern Pastel Artists My enthusiasm for pastels led to the founding of Malvern Pastel Artists in January 2026. We are a welcoming group that meet fortnightly (Fridays; one morning and one evening) at the Park View Community Room at Victoria Park, Pickersleigh Road, Malvern. Members range from experienced to beginners and we can loan materials to beginners to enable them to test out materials. Membership is £0.50 a month and the group is run as a non-profit separate from my art. You can see more details on our Facebook page or via my website https://moirasavageart.com/blogs/malvern-pastel-artists Membership and tickets can be purchased via https://www.tickettailor.com/events/malvernpastelartists
CV & Education, relevant & leading to your artistic practice:
In my late 40s and ill health retirement I found myself a little lost. I was lucky enough to find, and be welcomed into, the wonderful ColourWheel Art classes running weekly in Malvern . Over the next four years I tried out many different mediums, techniques and subject matter. My art beliefs and preferences underwent a transformation and my enthusiasm spilled out from classes and I began practicing regularly at home.
Exhibitions in the last 3 years:
Within the area I attend and exhibit with Worcester Society of Artists and Malvern Terrace Artists. I really enjoy creating socially, learning and becoming inspired by others. ‘Michaelmas Star’ (Soft Pastels ) and ‘Velveteen Rumba’ were on display at Worcester City Art Gallery December 2025-January 2026 as part of the 77th Annual Art Exhibition by the Worcester Society of Artists.
Your gallery outlets/stockists:
You can purchase Fine Art Prints and greeting cards from my website https://moirasavageart.com I share my process and finished works on Instagram @moirasavageart I recently joined an artist collective in Malvern, Handmade Malvern and there are monthly pop-up sales- see https://handmademalvern.co.uk/ for details.