As well as being Petnanny, I am also an animal portrait artist, working in coloured pencils for the portraits, but also producing commissioned jewellery pieces in partnership with the silversmith David Baggaley.
Animals have always been a huge part of my life, whether I was walking my dogs, riding or just spending time with them. This naturally led to an interest in their form and earthy beauty.
At three years old, I told my mam that she couldn't even draw a stick man! Whilst my dad enjoyed photography and graphical drawing, my brother drew fantastic mythical creatures and technical drawings. Mam's talents lie in her sewing and she is now enjoying her pencil sketching of flowers from the garden.
In 1998 I set up my Petnanny service caring for all types of pet, and this allowed me to meet a huge quantity of perfect subjects, so after selling my artwork since 1987 I decided to take my artwork a little further.
My life now is pretty simple - I run my Petnanny business and then revel in my drawing. It's a perfect mix of practical and artistic.
I am self-taught but this certainly hasn't affected my art career and each subject has something new to show or teach me. I have exhibited at The Kennel Club Gallery, London for over six years now, and at Lytham Gallery in Lancashire as part of The Ark Exhibition.
Portraits are available in a variety of sizes, but I only ever use coloured pencils because their versatility makes it possible to create artwork that looks like a photorealistic painting.
I am first and foremost a commission artist and am always happy to undertake more commission though please bear in mind there tends to be a waiting list. Feel free to enquire and I can give you a timeline for your own very personal piece of art.
