I am more or less self-taught. I did 'O' Level Art and was due to go to Art College, but due to bereavement I was unable to go. In my thirties I joined an local Art Circle and gained quite a lot of help and experience there, plus the encouragement of other like-minded artists. I have always had a love of animals and nature and prefer 'happy' art that lifts the spirits.
This is my latest animal picture. It is of Bob, our dearly loved dog, who sadly passed away last year.
I have always painted animal pictures in pastel, but I thought I would try an oil painting of Bob. Having got used to the medium, I feel happy to do an animal picture in oils now and hopefully will do many more.
I wanted to try oil as pastel is a little fragile and I do not send pastel paintings in the post. This means that any pastel pictures I do are usually for clients within about a 20 mile radius, then we can meet up.
I also love cats and we have three, and another one who is currently trying to adopt us.
This cat picture was done for my friend who lives in a quaint cottage in a beautiful valley. The cats were in the kitchen when the photo was taken and it wasn't a very good background.
I went along and took a photo of the inside of the sitting room and included a lovely antique chair she had, and the lovely window seat and I 'transported' the cats in there for posterity.
As I have said, I have a love of nature and wild life and I came across a lovely picture of a kestrel which was just crying out to be painted.
The pastel lent itself very well to making the feathers seem so soft.
I later sold this painting at the Holmfirth Art Exhibition in West Yorkshire (The Last of the Summer Wine Country).
Rocky was very photogenic and therefore it was easier to capture his likeness.
A good photo is essential for a good painting. I work from photographs and digital photography today is a big help. If you haven't got a good digital camera or you don't have a good photograph, and if you don't live too far away, then perhaps we could come to some arrangement. I also have some notes which I can send along via email (or post) to help you if you are trying to take a picture yourself. Sometimes, sadly, the pet has passed away, so I manage as best I can with the photos that are available. A few different ones can give a better idea of different aspects of the pet.
This was done some time ago before the days of digital photography.
Sparky was quite elusive and would just not pose at all for his photo (just getting the tail in some shots, as he headed for the door) so it was very much a matter of getting as many shots as possible and trying to compose a picture from that. I took separate photos of the garden and married the garden and the cat together to make a picture which the lady was very happy with. I charge extra for the background if it is complex, like this one. If it is like the one for Rocky, there is no additional charge.
I try to keep my prices reasonable and at present I am charging the same for pastel and oil. Postage for sending an oil painting would be extra for postage and packing. I do not send pastel paintings by post and they would need to be collected or some other arrangement made.
For pastel or for oil painting
8” x 10” £69
10” x 12” £99
12” x 16” £159
Each additional pet is £30, size 10 x 12 upwards.
All paintings and drawings are supplied unframed, unless framing is requested which would be an additional cost. I require a 25% deposit but if you are not entirely satisfied then I will refund your deposit.
You will be able to view your picture either by email or in person before you complete your purchase so that you can have complete peace of mind. If you have to cancel, please let me know as soon as possible. There will be a cancellation fee of £10.
All images on this website remain the copyright © of Linda Cockley.