I’ve worked in corporate design for years and while I enjoy it, part of me always wanted to get back to something more personal. What began as a simple decision to add some company to my day turned into something much bigger. That dog got me out of the house, into the woods, and gave me the kind of quiet moments that clear your head. During lockdown, with a bit more time, I started painting again.
I thought I’d try painting my dog to capture the bond we shared. One portrait became another, then a few for friends, and before long I was doing commissions. That’s how Pup Art UK began... quietly, almost accidentally, but from a place that means a lot to me. Most of the portraits I do now are memorials, so I put a lot of care into each one. The aim isn’t photo realism, it’s about capturing a feeling, something that reflects the spirit of the animal and the bond they shared with their human. At home I’ve got Max, a solid staffy built like a diving helmet, and Ralphie, a clingy Chihuahua who somehow looks better in person. They keep me grounded and occasionally make me open a window. They’re not exactly muses, but they’re a good reminder of why I do what I do.
