Sally Clark

Randle, WA

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Capturing Spirit and Soul in Pastel
Sally Clark is a pastel artist whose journey began unexpectedly in her early 30s, after a childhood of frustration with drawing that never seemed to match what she saw. It wasn’t until a friend persuaded her to take a $6 drawing class at the Morton Senior Center that everything changed. What started with simple shapes and shading evolved quickly into a newfound passion when Sally discovered she could create recognizable portraits—and even a convincing cube of butter.

With encouragement from her instructor and a growing confidence in her abilities, Sally explored portraiture and animal studies, falling in love with the vibrant depth and texture of pastels. One of her earliest pieces—a striking leopard—cemented her dedication to the medium. Since then, she has continued to develop her craft, creating dynamic, emotionally rich works of both people and animals.

While she occasionally works in acrylic, watercolor, and colored pencil, pastels remain her medium of choice. Sally is particularly drawn to dramatic imagery, whether in wild creatures, beloved pets, or expressive human faces. She also accepts select commissions, especially when the reference photo captures her imagination.

Recognition from peers has made her day more than once! Ram Tough - 1st place at the SW Washington Fair, Eleanor’s Eyes - featured in 365 Art Magazine, A Tale of Two Kings - featured in Hidden Treasures special publication, Rhino of Color - awarded honorable mention at Dakota Pastels, and Could I Have This Dance - ARTIST of the year by the Arizona Pastel Artists Association.

Today, Sally creates art that reflects not just technical skill but the joy of discovering a hidden talent and the power of seeing the world—people, animals, and all—in vivid color.