Artist - Pastels
Desley Stewart
"Each shell I paint holds a story — a reminder of quiet walks by the sea and the simple joy of discovering nature’s treasures."
Desley Stewart is an Australian representational artist who works primarily in soft pastels to capture the intricate beauty of coastal life. Growing up by the sea, she has long been drawn to the textures and tones of seashells, often gathering them on leisurely walks along the Central Coast. Her ongoing series of shell collections celebrates the joy of discovering these natural treasures and highlights the complexity of the everyday.
Art has always been part of Desley’s life. With a mother skilled in oil painting and porcelain art, and a family rich in creative influence, she developed an early appreciation for craft and expression. Her process begins with creating her own reference photographs, before freehand sketching her subject onto pastel paper and carefully layering soft pastel to build texture, form, and light.
For Desley, the greatest reward lies in the connection people find in her art—especially when it stirs memories of peaceful days where the sand meets the sea.