Lockdown Artist & Reconnection

I am a self-confessed “lockdown artist.” In 2020, I didn’t attempt sourdough or guitar—but I did pick up a pencil again.

What began as a way to unwind became a reconnection with creativity and with nature.

I shared my work online, received my first commission, and things spiralled from there.

Art and Science

Each drawing reminded me that art can do what science alone sometimes can’t—it can spark emotion, invite connection, and inspire care.

Today, while I still work in a nearly full-time day job, I dedicate my evenings and weekends to drawing.

I’ve only been creating seriously for a few years, but it’s a passion project I am slowly growing.

Creating Art and the Dining Table

My studio is, quite literally, half the dining table.

When I first chose coloured pencils as my medium, I thought they would be neat and easy to clean up—but over time my pencils, sharpeners, and stacks of reference photos have claimed permanent residence.

These days, my husband and I rarely use the table for eating. I like working in the heart of the house.

It means my art isn’t shut away in a separate room—it’s part of daily life.

I usually draw in the evenings, surrounded by the familiar rhythm of home.

It may not be glamorous or purpose-built, but it feels authentic.

For me, it’s proof that you don’t need the “perfect” studio to create—you just need a space and some time.

Creating with a Range of Art Mediums

Colour pencils are my main medium, but I’m also dabbling with pastels, graphite, charcoal, ink, and watercolour.

I think I initially chose pencils because they’d require minimal clean-up. What I didn’t appreciate at the time is how notoriously slow they are to work with.

I’m normally pretty impatient, but I’ve come to see drawing as a meditative, calming activity.

A single drawing can take weeks or even months to complete, with layers of colour slowly building depth, texture, and detail.

But that’s also what I love about pencils—the patience they demand, and the realism they allow me to achieve.

Layer Upon Layer

With careful layering and blending, they can capture the glint in an animal’s eye, the softness of fur, or the sheen of feathers in extraordinary detail.

Pencils don’t seem to be widely used in fine art, but I think that’s slowly changing.

I’m determined to push what they—and I—can do.

For me, they’re the perfect blend of science and art: precise, technical, yet capable of evoking deep emotion.

Building an Art Business

Like most artists (I think), I never started creating with the intention of building an art business.

But when people began asking about commissions and prints—including custom pet portraits—I realised I needed to figure it out—and fast!

I’ve been on a steep learning curve ever since, and I’m still figuring it out as I go today.

Growing Anything Takes Time

What I wish I knew at the start is not to expect results overnight. Growing a business takes time, persistence, plenty of mistakes, and more than a little self-doubt.

It means wearing many hats—marketer, social media manager, accountant, packaging assistant—often all in the same day.

And hopefully still squeezing in time for the actual creativity, too.

With an almost fulltime day job, it’s important that I manage my expectations and energy levels so I don’t burn myself out.

Authentic Connections via Art

The biggest surprise has been that people connect just as much with you as they do with your work.

Sharing the process, opening up about the “why” behind each drawing, and letting people see a little more of me has led to connections with some truly wonderful, like-minded people.

Witnessing others react and connect to my artwork has been the most rewarding part of this journey.

Creating More Than Beautiful Art

For me, drawing wildlife is about more than creating a beautiful piece of art. It’s a way of noticing, of paying attention.

My science background taught me to look closely at details, and art gives me the chance to translate that curiosity into something others can see and feel.

Art as a Bridge

What I’ve also learned is that art can act as a bridge.

It can connect people to species they might otherwise overlook, spark conversations about conservation, or simply remind someone of a creature they’ve loved.

Every time I hear someone say, “I’ve never noticed that before,” or “I recognise that bird!” I feel I’ve achieved something meaningful.

The Real World Impact of Art

A big part of my practice is making sure my art has real-world impact.

From day one, a portion of proceeds from every original drawing and print goes directly to local wildlife conservation organisations.

That means every piece someone chooses not only celebrates nature—it also helps protect it.

Art is Always Evolving

My art is still evolving, and I imagine it always will be.

But at its core, it will always be about connection—between people and the natural world, between science and emotion, between beauty and impact.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing my practice.

I’m seeking opportunities for a solo exhibition, exploring wholesale partnerships, and building my business so I can share my work with more people.

If you’d like to explore more of my art, or join my monthly newsletter where I share the stories behind the drawings and the wildlife that inspires me, I’d love to welcome you.

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