holly payne art
about my pet portraits
I work digitally, with a stylus and tablet. There is no photo manipulation involved. Each painting starts from scratch with a sketch, blocking in the colours then working in the details. The eyes are the most important part of any painting as these have to be exactly right, to make it go from a pet to your pet. I try to capture the personality of the subject in each painting I do.
My portraits started as gifts I would do for friends and family and then slowly turned into a small business as I went along. I did my first one when I was 9 and it is still on the wall at my parents house. Pictured is one I did when I was 14 of our old cat Tiffy.
I love digital art for the versatility, but will soon be offering traditional media as well, starting with pencils, acrylic and pastels. Stay tuned...
about me
A Norwich based artist generally found in her home office painting many animals. Occasionally there will be a foray into fantasy art, historical recreation or to the shops.
My family have always worked in zoos and we had a lot of pets at home as I grew up. Rats, hamsters, dogs, cats, a tortoise, mice, bugs, fish... It started with a hamster when I was 7, named Crunchie Bar for some reason, and escalated from there. I've always loved animals and now keep exotic pets when I can, particularly geckos and beetles.
I would love to have a cat one day but currently live in a block of flats in Norwich where I'm not allowed either cats or dogs. So now I live vicariously through pet portraits!
testimonials
"You captured Rex perfectly. My daughter will definitely cry with tears of sadness and joy!!! A perfect way to remember her Rex. Thank you again."
"Holly does an amazing job capturing the personality of her “subjects,” and she does so efficiently and affordably. This portrait is the second, but certainly not the last I will commission Holly to do."
"Holly caught his character beautifully, and the craftsmanship and care that was put into it is clear to see. Holly is a pleasure to deal with, with considered and prompt responses, even over the festive period. A fantastic artist with a great sense of true service to her customers."