Estelle Robinson

I have been a hobby artist for many years specialising in portraits and pastels. I studied art at Coventry Technical College for 2 years after leaving school followed by a year-long Foundation in Art & Design at Wolverhampton Polytechnic. I also worked at a printers in Coventry for 2 years training as a Graphic Designer followed by 12 months freelance. Finances, or lack of them, meant I needed to find a job with a regular income and that’s when I moved into Chemistry, working in technical roles and sales which is where I have been for many years.

Over the years I have always completed commissions as a hobby for friends and family of their pets, children and especially horses. Through having a horse of my own I have developed a wide network of horsey friends. I am also an animal lover and it was something I could fit in around my full-time job and family. I am now so thankful I did as the practice has improved my technique and style.

I am inspired by the animal

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I have been a hobby artist for many years specialising in portraits and pastels. I studied art at Coventry Technical College for 2 years after leaving school followed by a year-long Foundation in Art & Design at Wolverhampton Polytechnic. I also worked at a printers in Coventry for 2 years training as a Graphic Designer followed by 12 months freelance. Finances, or lack of them, meant I needed to find a job with a regular income and that’s when I moved into Chemistry, working in technical roles and sales which is where I have been for many years.

Over the years I have always completed commissions as a hobby for friends and family of their pets, children and especially horses. Through having a horse of my own I have developed a wide network of horsey friends. I am also an animal lover and it was something I could fit in around my full-time job and family. I am now so thankful I did as the practice has improved my technique and style.

I am inspired by the animal world, in my work I try to capture expression starting with the eye as if I get that right then everything else seems to follow. I love fur, the gleam of a horses coat, my aim is for the observer to want to reach out and stroke the subject. A few years ago I drew a horse for someone, when they saw it they said that they were expecting a picture of a horse but what they got was "their" horse, Hadley! That set the bar for me, when I take on a commission I don't just want to draw a dog, cat, horse. I want to draw my clients own cat, dog horse, I want it to be immediately recognisable.

I now work as a freelance artist, I accept commissions and am available for opportunities with art societies and groups as a demonstrator or to hold pastel/portrait workshops.