About Me
Hi, I’m Mo—a self-taught pastel artist based in Cheshire. I specialise in emotionally rich, highly detailed portraits of animals and people. I’ve always believed that every face—whether human or animal—has a story to tell, and capturing that unique spirit is at the heart of everything I do.
In 2025, something truly special happened: my pastel painting "Did Someone Say Treats", a portrait of our beloved (and very cheeky) family dog Bella, was selected for the 164th Society of Women Artists Annual Open Exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London. It was a huge honour—especially since it was my first time ever applying! The piece was based on a photo my husband Steve took, and I tried to capture one of those perfect, playful Bella moments that made us all smile.
Another piece that’s very close to my heart is "What Happened", a portrait of a macaque that’s both tender and thought-provoking. It was featured as a full-page spread in ArteFact magazine to help promote the Association of Animal Artists’ (AAA) Spring Exhibition. I’m proud to be an active member of the AAA and regularly exhibit with them at beautiful venues like Weston Park in Shropshire and in York.
Although I came to professional art later in life, my love for portraiture started when I was a teenager, sketching faces and being fascinated by human expression. That early spark eventually led me to develop my own artistic voice, and today, I work mainly in pastels—using a mix of soft pastels, pastel pencils, and pan pastels to create lifelike, vibrant work.
My subjects range from cats and horses to all kinds of wildlife, but dogs hold a very special place in my heart. That deep connection grew stronger after I spent time volunteering at a dog shelter in Athens, where I saw firsthand the strength and resilience of animals who’d been through so much. I continue to support animal charities whenever I can—often by donating my artwork or offering free pet portrait commissions as raffle prizes to help raise funds.
One of my current passions is my ongoing primate collection. I’ve always been drawn to their intelligence and emotional depth—it’s incredible how much they reflect back at us, and I find endless inspiration in them.
When I work on a commission, I like to keep my clients closely involved, sharing regular photo and video updates throughout the process. I only use the highest quality materials, and for local clients, I also offer professional framing.
At the end of the day, my art is about connection—telling stories, celebrating personality, and supporting causes that matter. If you’d like to get in touch about a commission or just say hello, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me through my contact form or by email.
Warmly,
Mo