Artist Statement
I’m 27 years old and I live and work in Brighton. I’m an artist who specialises in watercolour and digital painting. I graduated with a Master’s in Fine Art from the University of Brighton in 2020. This year I have set up my own bespoke, pet portrait business, ‘Verity Petraits’.
How it began
Like many other children, I grew up with pets around me; cats, dogs and guinea pigs. Over time this love of animals led me to investigate and raise funds for animal conservation. When lockdown came it gave me time to appraise what I wanted to do with my life. I realised that I could not live without painting and therefore decided to combine it with my love of animals. This led to me completing several commissions for pet portraits. My enjoyment of watercolours was also rekindled. I particularly love how this medium enables light to emit through the paintings; bringing the animal commissions to life. Spirituality is important in my work because I like to capture the animal’s character and spirit. This derives from my belief that animals also have spirits and emotions like we humans.
From hobby to business venture
I was further encouraged to start my business by becoming a one of the 100 finalist in the ‘Sketch for Survival (2021)’ International Competition, an annual, art exhibition about animals threatened by climate change. We exhibited our winning animal portraits at the prestigious OXO Gallery in London. The works were then auctioned in aid of the ’21 For 21' animal conservation projects and my piece ‘We Are All Mother’ raised one hundred and thirty pounds.
Having decided that I wanted a business that focussed on pet portraits, I needed to fine tune what I could best offer. I quickly learnt that there is a wealth of difference between human portraits and those of pets. Pets are not going to sit still for a long period in the way humans do! I decided that it would be necessary to work from photographs and to either work from one provided by the owner, or one taken by myself. Using the camera also led me to realise that I could also offer photographic portraits, if that was what the client preferred.
When I created my business model it was clear that commissions, portraits and the photography work were unpredictable, and that I needed a steady base income. This encouraged me to develop a range of animal cards that can be sold in various outlets. At present I am working on my Christmas cards. Now that the concept of the business was formed, I started "Verity Petraits", offering bespoke watercolour pet portraits, pet photography and prints.
My top tips for success
Take time to plan a good composition. I have a professional camera and I like to meet the pet in natural and familiar surroundings and to take time to get shots that show the pet’s characteristics.
Always remember that each animal is different, and that the client must see ‘their’ animal in the final portrait. That requires empathy with the animal, but it also requires the skill to translate the charisma and spirit of the animal into a painting.
Don’t underestimate the advantage of a good business mentor.
Art Social Media Handles:
Website: www.veritypetraits.co.uk
Facebook: @veritypetraits
Instagram: @verity_petraits