Hi, I’m Phil, the artist behind the work.
For years, I focused on creating highly detailed photorealistic drawings, carefully recreating every hair and feature. While I loved the precision of that process, I began to feel that something was missing. The portraits were accurate, but they didn’t always feel alive. That realisation led me to shift toward stylised realism, where expression, character, and presence take priority over perfect replication.
I’m completely self-taught, and I’ve always been drawn to sketching both people and animals. Over time, that’s shaped how I approach every portrait, not just as something to copy, but as something to interpret. I look for the small details that hint at personality: the way a pet holds their gaze, the shape of their expression, the subtle things that make them instantly recognisable to the people who love them.
My process begins in monochrome charcoal, where I build depth, contrast, and structure. From there, I introduce watercolour pencil in a more selective way, often bringing focus to features like the eyes, to add life, warmth, and individuality without losing that classic, hand-drawn feel.
“Your pet is more than just how they look — it’s their personality, their quirks, and the way they make you feel.
That’s what I aim to capture in every portrait I create.”
At home, I’ve got a ragdoll cat called Trudy, who follows us around whenever she’s not asleep (which, to be fair, is quite a lot of the time). Like most pet owners, I know just how much personality animals have, and how important it is to capture that properly.
If you’re looking for a portrait that feels personal, expressive, and true to your pet, I’d love to create something for you.
