97
Happy Clients
12000
Hours of Work
15
Pieces of Art for sale
214
Completed Projects
Where it Started
My parents knew I had talent, even at nursery school age! Mum would come to collect me and could spot my painting hung on the washing line drying amongst all the other children paintings, it stood out.
I spent hours and hours lay on the floor with my Dad, drawing pictures from Ladybird Books.I am also lucky enough to have 2 “real artist’ in the family who have inspired me all my life. My Uncle Jan Gailliaert lived and studied art in Brugge and who’s work hang in our house along side his Uncle Porter work who was a Franciscan Monk. I feel privileged to have my paintings hung in the same room as such artists.
My bedroom door was always left open as I slept as a child, revealing one or uncle Jonnys paintings in the hallway. I would face this painting and study it every night as I fell to sleep. the style of this painting has been reflected many times in my work and probably will continue to do so.
How it developed
An inter school art competition in South Africa where I lived at the time, saw my very first win, my very first 1st Prize. I was just 8 years old at the time and as proud as punch.
Following school, I attended Blackburn Art College where my skills as a fine Artist really started to develop. I wanted to study Graphics but it became quite obvious soon on that I was definitely a fine artist. I found financing my College years easy by accepting commissions for pet portraits, however I soon grew to hate it. Photographs back in the 80’s didn’t carry much detail and I struggled to find enthusiasm for painting from photographs I just didn’t feel.
Following art College I found myself in an apprentice design role, further education within Art sadly wasn’t an option. I became a draftsperson designing Commercial Kitchens, Interiors and front of house artist impressions, however it just wasn’t enough and I eventually moved on to Dressage Coaching full time and loved it.
I Don’t do Second!
I hid my skills as an artist in fear of being asked to paint a commission of a subject that interested me as much as watching grass grow. in 2016 I wanted to further my training and riding which required a lump of cash to get me and my horses to Portugal. And so began a new chapter in Art which faded away as I chased my career as a dressage coach which provided far more financial security than Art.
Covid 19 hit the World in a devastating manor, my income totally disappear and I found myself desperate to find another income. This is where my “Real Artist” career began! Having the time to focus on painting alone and knowing I needed it to feed my horse and myself combined with the emotion swirling around the world as this virus stripped family apart are reasons to “make it work.” Facebook friends provided all the encouragement I needed to believe I could make this happen. That little girl lying on the floor with her dad and her pencils became a grown up artist!
Post Covid-19 Lockdown restrictions I have continued to paint as part of my income. Im excited to see where I can take my new career and how my competitive edge will push me to become a recognised International Artist. I strive to evolve, develop and succeed in the Art World and I invite you to join me on my journey.
Painting Horses
As a dressage rider and trainer, my love for horses was bound to flow into my art. I am a member of the Society of Equestrian Artists and have won several awards for my Equine Paintings.
My work is known to capture the unique character of each horse immortalised in paint, particularly with the life like detail captured in the horses eyes.
Painting People and Oblects
People watching taken to the extreme! Each portrait or scene tells a story. What will you see?