National Frog Month!

Posted on by Zara Toms
April is National Frog Month! Frogs are fascinating creatures and with over 4,000 species of frogs they come in a range of colours from all over the world. I have only done 1 frog portrait and this is it. The Red Eyed Tree Frog in this vibrant yellow flower was what drew me to the reference. That vibrancy against the black worked so well for my techniques. As you know I LOVE drawing on black back...
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Making most of isolation.. Are you?

Posted on by Zara Toms
During this difficult time one thing I have noticed is I have seen far more families out walking. Pictures on social media of picnics and camping with the kids in the garden etc. Things that maybe in some cases everyday life gets in the way of. For me and my husband our pets are our babies and this has been time we can relax and get bits done around the house, chill in our garden with them an...
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Missed post yesterday!

Posted on by Zara Toms
My husband was off work yesterday and I went ahead and scheduled my social media posts and then completely forgot to share a blog post. I'm going to blame him for that haha! Screwed up my morning routine :). https://youtu.be/JRqP6lXzkBs Another video to share with you :). Gunner was a delight to draw. Feel free to head over to my YouTube channel for more videos. From acrylics to colour p...
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Meet Gunner :)

Posted on by Zara Toms
Gunner is finished. What a beautiful horse I had the pleasure of capturing. This pastel portrait has been another one of mine which I will always remember. The background the client chose really worked well. That soft glow and working from dark to light really complimented him. A4 (8.3" x 11.7") Pastel Drawing The full time lapse of Gunner will be uploaded to my YouTube channel later today...
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New video!

Posted on by Zara Toms
I am taking this time (was meant to be on holiday all of this week) to focus on a painting of my own. This will be of my red Staffie and my Sprocker. I took the photo during a holiday to Scotland and the lighting is beautiful. Strong warm lighting from behind them both which has over exposed parts but that is what I like. Normally that isnt ideal for using as a reference for a pet portrait but in...
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Here they are!

Posted on by Zara Toms
Well I am so pleased to share this with you. I have worked really hard and many many hours have gone into this piece. This is my largest acrylic painting to date. I loved working on this scale so much so that I ordered another canvas this size and will be doing a painting of my furbabies. From top left working across is Oscar, Lily, Harry, Millie, Charlie and George.29" x 21" Acrylic on canva...
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Cheer across the country!

Posted on by Zara Toms
What an amazing atmosphere all the cheering and clapping created last night! A small gesture that was heard all over the country. Thank you to all the NHS and key workers 💕 Bubbles had rather a lot to say about it this morning haha! This sheep is hilarious and is more like a dog. She follows you everywhere for food and wouldn't hesitate to steal treats from your pocket! My 2 year old...
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Orangutan update!

Posted on by Zara Toms
This will be the last update before I share the finished painting with you :D. I have finished it and just waiting for it to dry before I vanish it. Although... I do think I want to tweak one area and add a very subtle highlight so this may delay the varnishing process by a few days. I have put the painting aside and will look at it with fresh eyes and see if I want to tweak parts. The origin...
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New Lion Wildlife Painting!

Posted on by Zara Toms
Fresh off the easel is this pair of Lions <3. For this piece I had a lovely photograph by Terence Porter where he captured that emotion and affection so perfectly. I wanted to focus purely on that so I hyped up the contrast and focused on values. I wanted to draw the attention right to them both which I hope I have achieved. This original piece is available and ready for its new home. F...
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