Born in rural Leicestershire, England in 1966, I've always had a passion for art & wildlife. Many precious memories arise from a childhood spent drawing & painting on long summer days; walking across fields of ripening maize just to catch sight of a kestrel or maybe the glinting fleeting glance of a kingfisher on our local stream and always with a canine companion or two in tow. Then there was nothing quite like getting covered in mud whilst collecting fossils & dirt-encrusted stones that when broken open with a hammer would reveal a hidden crystal world within. Not to mention fond memories of untold hours spent caring for my numerous array of pets, from a tortoise named Speedy to snakes, gerbils, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice (wild & domestic much to the shock of my mum) and the occasional wildlife patient.
Although drawing & painting for pleasure has always been part of my life, on leaving school I put aside 'childish' dreams of ever having the opportunity to do this for a living. Then a few years ago family & friends began to commission me to paint portraits of their pets. From then on I haven't looked back and my life has never been so busy - I'm now married with three glorious children and my career as a recognized wildlife artist going from strength to strength.
As an artist I'm completely self-taught, working in a photo-realistic style using a variety of mediums, predominately pastel at the moment. I believe that self criticism is a must (and also a pat on the back when deserved) as is learning by ones mistakes. I often find myself thinking "Have I bitten off more than I can chew?" when trying something new, but one thing I'm sure of is we must always aim to move out of our comfort zone, to learn by continually challenging ourselves if we wish to improve, and who doesn't want that!
I paint in my maiden name in remembrance of my father Allan George Newell - a man with unacknowledged artistic talent, a great love and respect for the natural world and a man who never managed to achieve his life ambition: to trek through the Amazon; so maybe one day dad I'll do that for you x
An ongoing tide of encouragement and inspiration has led me this far - the setting up of a website through which I may be fortunate enough to earn a living whilst being able to share, inspire, encourage, and raise awareness of the plight of so many wonderful creatures with whom we share our world.
Don't forget to keep an eye on my studio page for work in progress and my home page for new finished projects and the latest news on workshops, demonstrations and exhibitions!
Give thanks always and paint with a happy heart
"for blessed are the eyes that see what you see" Jesus
Take care & God bless x
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