Heather Dixon
I'm a coloured pencil artist specialising in pet portraits, bringing treasured pets to life on paper. My journey from childhood doodler to professional artist has only been a recent transition; my rekindled passion ignited during the 2020 lockdown. Now, I create custom artworks that capture the essence and personality of each pet, bringing joy to their owners.
My artistic path began in the 1970s when I was just 9 years old. A simple bird doodle caught my mother's eye, prompting her to gift me the Reader's Digest Book of British Birds - a treasure that sparked my love for drawing wildlife. I'd sketch birds and quiz my father, delighting in his correct identifications. Despite his encouragement to add colour, I stubbornly stuck to my trusty HB pencil.
As a teenager, art took a backseat, and life's demands pushed drawing to a distant memory. It wasn't until the 2020 lockdown that I rediscovered my passion for drawing. Daily walks became an inspiration for flower sketches, and a hand-drawn birthday card for my father's 80th birthday of a brown trout that moved him to tears - inspiring me to create art that moves or inspires other people.
I believe in continuous learning and growth. After rekindling my passion, I sought out mentorship from Bonny Snowdon, an amazing coloured pencil artist and teacher. Joining her online art academy immersed me in an inspiring community of fellow artists, pushing me to refine my skills and explore new techniques.
My work focuses on capturing the unique spirit of each animal I draw. I use high-quality coloured pencils and archival paper to ensure each piece is not only beautiful but also long-lasting. Every portrait is a labour of love, meticulously crafted to reflect the pet's personality and the owner's affection.
The joy of creation and the emotional connection between pets and their owners fuel my passion. There's an indescribable satisfaction in presenting a finished portrait to a client and witnessing the love in their eyes as they see their pet captured on paper. This emotional response drives me to continually improve my craft and pour my heart into every piece I create.
My work is more than just drawing - it's about preserving memories, celebrating the bond between humans and animals, and creating lasting tributes to our furry companions. Each commission is an opportunity to touch someone's heart and honour the special place pets hold in our lives.
Guide prices
[001]
Your pet proportionally placed within the boundary of an A4 sheet of paper. Starting from £300
Single A4 illustration
[002]
Two pets proportionally placed within the boundary of an A4 sheet of paper. Starting price from £480
Dual A4 illustration