Home

Astrid Cripps- Artist

One of her more unusual commissions was to paint a picture on a slate house number plate for a Longlevens couple!

Astrid Cripps is an artist living in Gloucestershire

Astrid Cripps is a artist who lives in Gloucestershire. She is largely self taught, but studied briefly with Eric Harper, Jan Crowd, and Peter Lord. More recently, she has specialised in representational works in pastel, and concentrated on landscapes and local scenes from the Tewkesbury area. Her pictures are always in demand at local exhibitions, and she is often commissioned to produce individual works for private clients.

She collaborates with fellow artist Peter Lord in running regular workshops for beginners in pastels, so far raising over £4000 for local charities in the process. Astrid is current Chairman of Tewkesbury Art Society, and is a Exhibiting Member of Gloucestershire Society of Artists.

An unusual and unique feature of her work is the adaptation of many of her major pictures as greetings cards, almost always featuring an original verse written by her, and inspired by the subject. These have proved to be very popular.

Astrid also plays piano accordion for local morris side England’s Glory, and for barn dances with popular The Matchless Ceilidh Band. She also joins forces with husband PETER to play as a duo. Click here to see more
The tune Astrid is playing is 'The Ruby' by Phil Cunningham, which she learnt for her Ruby (40th) Wedding anniversary!Sign Guestbook
View Guestbook

So Serene (2005)

High on Latrigg the first fall of snow,

The last leaves of autumn shimmer below.

Perfumes of winter high in the breeze,

Across the lake, beneath the trees.

Where golden light sails through the reeds

Bright reflections depict the scene.

On Derwentwater so serene.

Concorde's Last Flight(2005)

Like a radiant swan, with her head held proud,

She swoops on down through the threatening clouds.

With her mighty engines singing loud,

She bows her head to the cheering crowds.

Banking round she hears their cries,

Fonf farewells, they chant goodbyes.

They watch her land in bright sunlight,

Reflecting colours from the light.

Tis sad to think of Concorde's plight....

The Old Ash Tree(2002)

pastel (and consistently one of her best selling greeting cards)

A Day at Filey (2004)

Three children met, just for the day,

They spent their time chattering away

Sharing dreams, immersed in play

Down on the beach at Filey Bay.

No buckets and spades to dig in the sand,

Like musketeers they took command

Their trusty hands would do just grand

To find the treasure from distant lands.

Waterlilies (2003)

The summer sun has climbed so high,

Intensely bright in a clear blue sky.

Dazzling to the naked eye, scorching hot to you or I.

Thriving in the mid-day heat, water lilies enjoy a sleep.

Stretching petals, that shine like wax, sheltering fish, the sticklebacks.

Feeding below the lily pads, basking peacefully - and so relaxed.

Lasa Apso (2003)

High in the Tibetan mountains, we first were seen

Llasa Apso, that’s our breed.

What a mouthful, you must agree,

For such a small dog, as cute as me.

Well my real name is much more fun

For my owner named me - plain Tom Thumb.

Heather Clarke

Heather Clarke (Astrid’s daughter) is an accredited Reiki practitioner, practising in Longlevens, Gloucester, who is highly recommended. Check out her web site by clicking on the link above.

Matchless Ceilidh Band

The Matchless Ceilidh Band are one of the busiest barn dance bands on the local scene. They are in great demand throughout the year for weddings, parties, social evenings, and fund raisers.

Dawn Ashcroft

Dawn (Astrid’s sister) specialises in making unusual pictures using a unique technique. These have to be seen to be appreciated. She also has written very moving poetry which can be read on the web-site.