Catherin working on Midas

I live on the beautiful banks of the Shoalhaven River about 2 1/2hours drive south of Sydney with my husband and 2 daughters.

I have been drawing for as long as I can remember.   My father was a keen oil painter later in life and I'm sure this love of art was passed on to me.  

I studied watercolour at Wellaway Private Art School for 3 years.   These lessons we're a gift from my husband who thankfully encouraged me to pursue my art.   Now I am realising my dream of being a full time professional artist.

I undertook a 2 year certificate IV drawing course and this was where I was introduced to Pastels.   Whilst I have worked in a variety of mediums I always seem to come back to pastels.   I love the look and feel of this wonderful medium.

My artwork has always reflected my love of animals.  Drawing animals is what my husband calls my passion.  I'm lucky enough that I can pursue this and create wonderful drawings of both domestic companions and wildlife.  Over the years I have donated a number of works to rescue societies in the Australia, USA, UK and France.  

A number of years ago I was commissioned to draw a wonderful little poodle that had passed away.   Since then I have pursued my pet portraits with a passion.   When I'm commissioned for a new portrait I feel like a kid in a candy shop waiting for the photos to arrive.  

No matter what the animal they all have a personality of there own.   This is what I aim to capture in my drawings.  Bringing the to life on the paper before me.  Sometimes I'm amazed that when I have finished a drawing that I've actually created it.  I'm sure the animals themselves have a helping hand in their images. 

2006 has seen a new venture with my artwork.  Publishing a number of limited edition signed artist prints, these are available to purchase through my site.  Some of my artwork is also now available as blank gift cards. I also became a member of the Art Helping Animals.  A group of professional artists helping rescue animals both domestic and wild through there artwork.

2007 has been a very busy one. My work was selected by the Poodle Club of America for merchandising at their 75th show.    I will also began working with Dreamscape 9 Canine Collectibles, to create a wonderful line of gift ware featuring my artwork.   And my prints will be available through Mutt Art and the Saluki Club of NSW and Jack Russell Rescue.

The first magazine article published about my work appeared in Urban Tails an Australian animal magazine.

2008 holds many new adventures. The Animal World Magazine has featured my artwork on their January issue along with an article for feature artist of the month. Saluki International magazine are featuring my saluki drawings this year in there upcoming yearly issue.

 The 2007 poodle design which was drawn for the Poodle Club of America has just been put in limited edition print and will be added to my site shortly..

My work wildlife artwork is now being marketed through Wild life Safari in South Africa.  Plus I launched my sister site Red Dog Place featuring my wildlife art.

2008 is full steam ahead and I’m looking forward to the journey.

 Email:  catherin@animalarthouse.com

phone:  +61 2 4447 1513  mobile: 040 161 9884