#StaySafe 1

Posted on by Zara Toms
Hi guys, I am wanting to make some posts that will make you smile, make you maybe temporarily forget the worry and stressful time we are all going through at the moment. So here is the first.. 'Maisey My Miracle'When my Maisey was 5 years old (she will be 11 on the 29th April) she lost the use of her back legs. This happened as a result of 4 large blood clots compressing her spine in 4 different...
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Lily photo vs drawing

Posted on by Zara Toms
I should make more of these really! Just so you can see what I have worked from and the realism I strive to achieve in each portrait. A good photo is key..One of the key things to creating a highly detailed and realistic portrait is the reference you are working from. As an artist who is always wanting to capture the personality and character of each of my subjects this is always more achieva...
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Happy Mothers Day!

Posted on by Zara Toms
** Happy Mothers Day Everyone **. I hope you were able to make the most of it despite a lot of us having to change our usual traditional mothers day celebrations. The sun has been out all weekend!!!! YAY!!!In theme with today, here is my framed Brown Bear mother and her cub <3. This original colour pencil drawing is up for grabs and at a bargain price! Feel free to email me if you are interes...
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New Orangutan – Work in progress

Posted on by Zara Toms
I have been working on my Orangutan painting the last 2 days. I am hoping to her them finished Monday 🤞. There is so much texture and detail to capture in this acrylic painting so its important no stages are rushed. I have a beautiful reference photo to work from which really does make all the difference. This original acrylic painting will be up for grabs when finished. Feel free to e...
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Elf mounted <3

Posted on by Zara Toms
All of my pastel portraits come professionally mounted by my local framer. There is a huge selection (doesn't always make my decision easy 😜) but it means that there is always the perfect mount for any portrait. This mount used on Elf's portrait is one of my favourites. I have used it many times. It's has a subtle pattern creating a mottled type effect. I felt it complimented Elf beauti...
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Barn Owl is framed and for SALE

Posted on by Zara Toms
I'm so happy with the frame I chose for this piece :). That lovely wooden frame really makes it feel like hes in that natural setting especially with the tree stump he is sat on. Craig Maisfield kindly provided the Barn Owl reference and I then used multiple photographs which I combined to create the background and foreground. I always knew I wanted vibrant colours to capture that setting and ...
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Gesso and go!

Posted on by Zara Toms
Well... I had a productive day yesterday! Which is always a good feeling. I got my framer to make me another 29" x 21" canvas which is the same size as you have seen me working on with the 6 dogs. This new canvas is going to have 2 of my dogs on! A favourite photo I took of my Maisey and Lexie when we went to Scotland. Cannot wait to start that. I then picked up from my framers a few canvas bo...
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Scary times, but happy thread.

Posted on by Zara Toms
With so much going on in the world, the uncertainty and scary prospects I am so grateful for my animals and my art. Let's fill this post with lots of happy photos of your furbabies large and small and make us all smile :D. Yesterday the weather was beautiful so we made the most of it and I took Roxy and Maisey out to sit and just enjoy the sunshine which has been greatly missed these last few ve...
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Cute Gosling Prints

Posted on by Zara Toms
Thinking for something for Easter? Something to hang in the childrens nursery? My limited edition print of 'First Few Steps' would be the great gift :). £25 and each print will come hand signed and a certificate of authenticity. They have been professionally mounted to fit a standard size frame. And well the little gosling is ADORABLE <3 'First Few Steps' for more details :) Ref photo by...
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Drawing vs Photo

Posted on by Zara Toms
I should make more of these but always forget! I had a superb and insanely cute photo to work from for this portrait of these two gorgeous Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Having 2 Staffies myself I am a little biased and always love it when I am asked to draw them. This was an A4 (8.3" x 11.7") graphite pencil drawing I was asked to draw a couple of years ago. It's one that has always stuck i...
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