From Woodland Studio to Creative Renewal

For many years, I created and sold pet portraits from my little studio tucked away in the woods. It was a life filled with wagging tails, whiskered faces, and the joy of capturing the spirit of beloved companions. I exhibited with the Herefordshire Guild of Craftsmen, took part in wonderful shows, and built a thriving business through in‑person connection. Selling face‑to‑face was always my strength — as the saying goes, I could sell sand to the Arabs — but the online world never quite matched the warmth of those real conversations.

When Covid arrived and the world fell silent, the shows stopped overnight. Without the bustle of events and the energy of meeting people, my creative spark dimmed. For a few years, I stepped back from art altogether, unsure if that part of my life would ever return.

But creativity has a way of finding its way home.

Today, that spark has reignited. I’m back at the easel with renewed purpose and a new challenge: helping others learn how to create beautiful, heartfelt pet portraits — and, if they choose, build a commission‑based business of their own. The demand for pet portraits has never been stronger. Pets are cherished family members now, not just working animals or guardians, and people want to honour them with artwork that captures their personality and preserves their memory.

My goal is to guide you step by step through the process of creating each portrait, so you can feel confident in your skills and ready to reach out to pet lovers who long for something meaningful and lasting. Whether you’re hoping to start a business or simply want to create treasured keepsakes, I’m here to help you grow, learn, and bring those much‑loved animals to life on the page.