Liz Messent Art
Animal & Pet Portrait Artist

About me

After completing my Art A level I planned to pursue a career in art by attending art college; however, that summer I was struck down by a 'mysterious' illness which left me totally incapacitated  so that dream was closed down and life took me in a totally different direction. In fact I didn't pick up a paint brush for nearly 20 years!

The mysterious illness returned with a vengeance in 2001 and my life as I knew it stopped. Eventually I was diagnosed with M.E. / C.F.S.

I could no longer work so I started painting again. My subject was my beautiful ex-racehorse, Kirpan and my bouncy Boxer dog, Bumpy, who had played a major part in getting me through some very dark days. Friends and family started to ask me to paint their animals from dogs and horses to cows!

I focus  on capturing the emotions of my animal subjects, their inner beauty and quirks that make them unique to themselves. I am intrigued by the way light hits a form and I am always fascinated by how a few carefully placed brush strokes can make a one dimensional form spring into life.

As I mostly paint animals, who are notoriously bad sitters! I prefer to paint from photographs. ideally I like to meet them in person to better understand their personality and quirks, no two are ever the same and this is what I try to bring to my painting; however, if I can't meet them, here are some tips for taking a great photo.

If you would like to bring your beloved pet to life on canvas, contact me and we can arrange an informal chat.

Commissions

I take a limited number of commissions every year. Please do contact me to find out more.

Prices

9 x12"                         £295
12 x 12"                       £350
12 x 16"                       £425
16 x 16"                       £475
16 x 20"                      £550
20 x 20"                     £625
20 x 24"                     £700
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For portraits with multiple pets, it is an extra £50 per subject, i.e. for 2 pets on a 12 x 16" it would be £500.  If a detailed background is required it will be an extra £50.  

Please let me know if you require your painting on  a deep edged canvas which will be finished so that it does not require framing.

How it Works & Taking a Great Photo

I am based in North Wiltshire and can come to meet you and the furry friend if you are within an hour's drive. This may incur an extra charge depending on mileage and time.

If  this is not possible here are a few tips on how to take a successful photo:
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1.  Ensure that there is good light (ideally sunshine but not too bright) shining on their faces preferably from an angle.
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2.  Take as many photos as possible from various angles but ideally at the same level as their faces
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3.  Do not be too close so that you get a strange perspective.  It is better to stand back slightly and zoom in.