Me and my soulmate Sparky whom I sadly lost in 2015
Discovering my love for art
I discovered my passion for art in 2007 when I started drawing pets. A friend had lost her beloved dog and I wanted to desperately ease her pain and sorrow a little. So I picked up a pencil and drew my first pet portrait. The joy it gave her, when I surprised her with it, gave me so much enjoyment in return. I was hooked.
My new-found hobby turned quickly into much more than just that. Being creative fulfilled a part of me, I didn’t even know existed. Drawing and creating art became my way of life.
In 2008, I fractured my knee and the months of immobility gave me plenty of time to produce even more art and hone my skills in the process.
Fast-forward to now and I am not only drawing but also painting realistic animal portraits, mostly as commission pieces. I love reliving the joy of giving happiness to pet owners with each completed artwork.
My work is found in private collections all over Ireland, Scotland, Czech Republic, Sweden, the USA and even in Australia.
I became a member of the Lavit Gallery in Cork city in 2014 and my art has hung in the Member Exhibitions there.
Why I paint pet portraits
Pets are like children. Children that never grow up and leave home. Children that depend on you for the rest of their lives. Sometimes you pick your pet and other times they find you. But it is always a willing connection from both sides. A strong bond that makes us want to have them with us for eternity. And when their time comes, they leave a paw print size hole in our hearts forever.
Art can help to keep memories alive, ensuring our beloved pets will forever have pride of place in our homes. In the present as well as in the future.
I love being in the position to help my clients to achieve just this. Because it is never just about the painting. It is about capturing all those moments we shared with them and reliving them when we look at their portrait. About sharing their stories with family and friends who see it. About keeping the love alive.
A pet portrait should really show off the individuality of the animal. Not only capturing likeness, but also some of the character of the animal. And I want to bring the possibility of owning this kind of art to everyone.
I will put all my experience as an artist into my work to ensure that you are totally happy.
My studio buddies Charly and Lexy
A little bit of history
German roots
I was born in East Germany and grew up on a corporate farm near the borderline to the Czech Republic. The historic city of Dresden is about an hour’s drive from me. If you are ever in Germany, I highly recommend a visit to Dresden.
As a child, I spend every moment available around the fields and forests surrounding our home. Between the wildlife, the farm animals and our numerous pets, I was constantly surrounded by nature and its creatures. And I loved it!
After I finished my school education, I started an apprenticeship in a shop. However, I felt locked away from the great outdoors and couldn’t see myself doing this for the rest of my life.
Irish love affair
I always wanted to work with horses and opportunity knocked in 1997 with a job offer in Ireland. Hence I packed my bags and left Germany almost the same week to work with the famous Irish Thoroughbreds. Once I landeded in Ireland, I felt like finally arriving home.
Those noble, high spirited yet gentle creatures fascinate and amaze me every day. Working with them on a day to day basis gives me an insight about the horse world that very few people get a chance to experience. Being able to spend every minute of every day with animals, be it the horses in the stud or my own pets, feels like heaven. Connecting this with my art, is truly living the dream.
It inspires my art and fills my head with images and ideas for future artwork. And not just equine art either, but all thing’s nature. You’d be amazed at the wildlife you encounter in the safe heaven of a stud farm.
