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About the Artist and the Story Behind the Art

Thank you for taking the time to visit my website.
If you're curious to learn more about the person behind the artwork, let me share a bit about my story.
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I’m a self-taught, professional artist and art tutor working from my home-based studio in the coastal town of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland. It’s here that I bring portraits to life, inspired by the beauty of my surroundings and my passion for art.
I grew up in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, where my fascination with the natural world and its wildlife began. Many of my childhood hours were spent birdwatching with my dad and sketching birds, nurturing a love for coloured pencils that shaped my passion for art, especially bird art. While my creativity continued into adulthood, it wasn’t always at the forefront of my life. After losing my mum to bowel cancer in 2010, I took a leap of faith and turned my artistic passion into a career, tutoring others and offering pet and portrait commissions to clients across the UK and internationally. I feel incredibly fortunate to spend my days doing what I love, creating meaningful portraits that resonate deeply with those who commission them.
In 2011, I met my soulmate, John Graham, and in 2014, I moved to Newbiggin-by-the-Sea to join him and his trio of Labradors, Pip, Storm, and Haze, as well as Casper, his Springer Spaniel, all of which have now passed. I also brought along my late Cockatiel, Tiko and Ring-Neck Parakeet, also named Casper, who is now 18 years old. Recently, we’ve welcomed Bodie, a Flat-Coated Retriever cross, into our home.
Living here has been incredibly inspiring, surrounded by the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of the area. This special place has reignited my passion for painting, and I've worked to capture the wildlife and landscapes of the area I've come to call home.​ These paintings are available in my shop, for those who enjoy exploring local wildlife and landscapes.

Newbiggin by the Sea & Northumberland

Over the years, John has enjoyed capturing the wildlife and landscapes of Newbiggin through his lens, including rare bird species he’s spotted in the area. As an amateur photographer, his passion for photography complements my art, as I often use his images as references for my own creations. A dedicated page showcasing his photos is currently in progress, and a link will be added here once it’s available to view.