The Story behind the animals

Although I studied Wildlife Illustration during my degree, I wasn't always inspired by animals. In fact, much of my work focused on elements of nature like leaves, flowers, or landscapes.

So how is it that my work today mostly captures portraits of animals?

As my life has progressed, my interest in animals has certainly increased. I believe that since I spend a significant amount of time outdoors, I naturally encounter animals, whether they are farm livestock, pets, or those considered wild.

My secret is that I have an ongoing animal dialogue in my mind. It might sound strange, but I envision conversations that a herd of cows could be having or the thoughts a bumblebee might have while it busily gathers pollen.

I think this helps in my current work where I have started to focus on trying to capture the character of an animal through my drawings. So let me tell you about...

The Nosey Donkey

During our expedition in Jordan, where we trekked for six days to Petra, we had a rather noisy donkey whom I named Trevor, despite him having a more fitting local name. On our first night, he was very vocal, keeping us awake as he tried to communicate with other donkeys in the area. Initially, this was somewhat annoying, but as the hike continued, Trevor's companionship as a member of our team became a highlight of my day. He was particularly noisy, and his owner explained that he was trying to chat with other donkeys because he is a bit nosey and likes to know where they are.

Upon returning, I realised I needed to draw a donkey, so I began working to depict the playful character I had spent six days with. Although his colour isn't exactly the same, Trevor served as the inspiration for my 'Nosey Donkey' illustration.

The Lincolnshire Red Cow

Although I dedicate a lot of my time to walking and hiking, I must admit that I feel a bit uneasy when I encounter a field with cows. It's understandable, as many people do, since cows have gained a bit of a reputation for occasionally being somewhat curious. That being said, I actually adore cows; observing them from behind a fence is one of my favorite activities, as I ponder what they might be thinking and what they would say to each other.

After being pushed out of my comfort zone by a friend who is a Lincolnshire cattle judge, I decided that if I were to draw a cow, it had to be a Lincolnshire Red. I visited her at the Lincolnshire Show, where she was in the pen with many Lincolnshire Reds, and she brought me inside! Just meters away from these large yet very pretty cows, I could truly appreciate the beauty of their coat colour and their docile nature. When I set out to create my illustration, I aimed to capture the puzzled look that I often notice cows displaying when I observe them.

The Giraffe

I have always adored giraffes, but the first time I saw one in the wilds of Africa, I was thrilled, and I still feel the same excitement every time I see them now. I'm not quite sure what it is about them; let's be honest, they are somewhat cumbersome, yet I love their beautiful long eyelashes and somewhat clumsy mouths.

It was certain that I would be creating an illustration of a giraffe, aiming to capture the essence of it smiling. I like to imagine that the giraffes I see are always smiling because they know they are my favourites. The lady who brought my giraffe illustration also loved them and I felt happy he would be brighting up her day every time she looked at his smiling face.

The dogs

When I was a child, I was afraid of dogs, which I now realize was quite a silly fear. Fortunately, my parents decided to get a dog, and I soon discovered it was like having a real-life teddy bear. Our cross between a collie and a Labrador was more than just a pet; he was my partner in crime, ready for any adventure as long as it included food. He let me dress him up, feed him popping candy, and talk to him about my day at school and his day at home with Mum.

Let's be honest, anyone with a dog knows that they truly understand what you're thinking, they comprehend what you're saying, and they realise you'll forgive them for being a bit crazy. Since launching my small art business, I've had the joy of drawing many dogs, which is a true delight given how important they are to their owners. In my more recent portraits, I've been striving to capture more of the unique character of different dogs and the traits associated with their breeds. Honestly, I would love to have a dog of my own, but for now, I get to enjoy the personalities of those I draw.

If there is an animal you would like to see me illustrate for my range please comment below.