Having grown up loving animals and nature I always found drawing and painting them very enjoyable. I especially enjoy painting dogs. Their characters come through in the eyes and I enjoy the challenge of recreating that on canvas.

The time it takes to complete a painting from start to finish varies, though it is roughly 25 to 30 hours usually. I paint from photographs, either hard copies sent to me or emailed images. Sometimes I put a background into the painting, but the majority are on a plain colour canvas which I find brings out the details on the animals more effectively...especially on pet portraits. I found this the case on my most recent painting; one of my Irish Setter puppy, Ryan.

When a portrait is completed, I will email an image (or post hard copy photo) of it to the client. If they are happy with it they will send payment and the painting will be mailed to them..

I work in oils on canvas, though have occassionally produced charcoal drawings of dogs and horses.

As well as dogs, horses, and cats I also paint British wildlife such as deer, foxes, pheasant etc. The Scottish Highlands are a source of great inspiration to me with their beautiful and elusive wildlife, and I love to "escape" up there each year with my paints.