Life of an Artist

Art has always been a passion of mine since I was a child. Especially animals. I would sit for hours in my room copying pictures of wildlife out of books. My first attempts I still have, held in a cherished folder. I remember drawing each one and being so proud to show my parents the latest creation. Looking back on them now, although very basic and some make me cringe, I can see that there was promise.

Years down the line I still hold that passion for drawing. For creating a piece of work, of a beautiful animal, forever captured in a timeless picture. There's nothing quite like it. And although, yes, I am my biggest critic, I can see my ongoing development since those early years, my determination to improve, to capture the essence of the animal, not just the detail and likeness.

I have been blessed with a wonderful life, all centred around horses. I was very lucky to have a loan pony at 12 years old, Tangles. She was a stunning Welsh Section B pony. She taught me everything. Mainly, how to actually ride, rather than sitting on a riding school pony going front to back of the ride several times in a lesson. We jumped at local shows and even did a bit of gymkhana. Then, when I was 16, the most amazing colt was brought onto the yard and of course I fell in love with him instantly. He was a blue roan, breeding unknown but he shone in the sun almost a lilac colour and was the sweetest and most gentle-natured. He was stunning and of course I raided my piggy bank and begged my parents to let me buy him. He was mine, my Bluey, my very own horse.

Blue saw me through my teenage years, my 20's, 30's and through all of the toughest and happiest times of my life; jobs, relationships, bereavement. He was there. My constant, my rock. He would be there for me to cry around his neck and to fill me with joy as soon as we had had a wonderful ride out together. He loved my babies when they were born. So gentle with them, almost knowing they were precious. They sat on his back in the stable and rode him from the field. I couldn’t have wished for anything more.

He was the grand old age of 24 when I lost him, just before Covid lock-down.  It was the most horrific day that will stay with me forever. But by just knowing him and being his person, made me the strong, happy character I am today and I will always thank him for that.

I am now owned by an ex-racer TB. Odie. He is no Blue but he has filled some of the gaps left that day. By enabling me to be part of the equestrian family once more and having the mundane job of mucking out everyday keeps me grounded and close to my love of horses.

Being asked to capture people’s cherished lost pets in painting form is such an honour to me. Wanting me to preserve their beloved 4-legged family member couldn’t be higher recognition of the faith they have in me and I will never let them down.

Drawing is my love. I have tried many mediums; oils, acrylics, watercolour, pencils but I always return to soft pastels. The way they go down on the paper is sublime and I can either leave loose to create more of an undefined image or really get the detail with finer pastel pencils.

Capturing a majestic animal in its most beautiful form is the most wonderful feeling and I am so privileged to be able to do this.