Equine Art: Life of an Artist

Art has always been a passion of mine since I was a child, especially when it came to animal drawings. I would sit for hours in my room, copying pictures of wildlife out of books. I still hold my first attempts in a cherished folder. I remember drawing each one and feeling so proud to show my parents the latest creation. Looking back now, although very basic and some make me cringe, I can see the promise in those early pieces.

Years down the line, I still hold that passion for drawing, especially for creating pieces of beautiful animals, forever captured in timeless pictures. There's nothing quite like it. Although I am my biggest critic, I can see my ongoing development since those early years, my determination to improve, and to capture the essence of the animal, not just the detail and likeness.

I have been blessed with a wonderful life, all centered around horses. I was very lucky to have a loan pony at 12 years old, Tangles, a stunning Welsh Section B pony. She taught me everything, mainly how to ride properly, rather than just sitting on a riding school pony. We jumped at local shows and even did a bit of gymkhana. Then, when I was 16, the most amazing colt arrived at the yard, and I instantly fell in love with him. He was a blue roan with unknown breeding, shining in the sun almost a lilac color and possessing the sweetest, most gentle nature. I raided my piggy bank and begged my parents to let me buy him. He became my Bluey, my very own horse.

Blue saw me through my teenage years, my 20's, 30's, and all the toughest and happiest times of my life—jobs, relationships, bereavement. He was my constant, my rock. He was there for me to cry around his neck and to fill me with joy after our wonderful rides together. He loved my babies when they were born, being so gentle with them, almost as if he knew they were precious. They would sit on his back in the stable and ride 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 the Covid lockdown. It was the most horrific day that will stay with me forever. But 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 named Odie. He may not be Blue, but he has filled some of the gaps left that day. He has enabled me to be part of the equestrian family once more, and the daily task of mucking out keeps me grounded and close to my love of horses.

Being asked to create pet portraits of people’s cherished lost pets is such an honor for me. The trust they place in me to preserve their beloved four-legged family member is the highest recognition, and I will never let them down.

Drawing is my love. I have tried many mediums—oils, acrylics, watercolors, pencils—but I always return to soft pastels. The way they go down on the paper is sublime, allowing me to leave the image loose or achieve fine detail with 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.