News and snaps from my studio. Sometimes I write about new pieces that I’m working on that are not released yet. If I think of a tip or piece of advice that will help you look after your painting I’ll often share it here. If there’s something specific you want to find, there is a search box down below.
A Cow About the House!
Bring the cows inside this winter - I have a big selection of my colourful Highland Cows available as canvas prints.
Super versatile, amazing quality (these are posh prints) bright and cheerful, check them out here!
A new Highland Bull painting, a golden sweetheart against a bright twilight sky, really enjoyed this painting from a new perspective!
As you know I am compelled to paint cows, and I have two currently in various stages, waiting for layers to dry. I have an English Longhorn cow on one canvas, and this Scottish Highland cow on the other. Both are very bright in rainbow colours, the way I love to paint. Both 76 x 102 cm canvases will be available when finished.
The Story Behind the Colourful Highland Cow Paintings
I painted my first Highland Cow in 2018, from a photo reference of a beautiful brown and very hairy Highland Cow with a quizzical expression. I used the stance, and the lighting from the photo, however I used my own colour palette. The idea was to use some of the rich and beautiful glowing colours present in the gorgeous Harris Tweed fabric, which always reminds me of the beauty of the Scottish scenery. I painted that piece in two sessions, and it all fell into place very quickly. I enjoyed it so much that I began to paint a whole series of these lovely cows. The colours and the expressive brush and finger marks do seem to suit the character of the Highland Cattle, and I enjoy creating the moody and stormy surroundings.
The most famous of my colourful Highland Cow paintings is that first one, simply titled ‘Highland Cow’. I entered the Wraptious artist competition that year, having put together a collection of five paintings , all of the animals, for my entry. I won the competition and was signed up as a licensed artist , and my Highland Cow began to be featured on a lot of their home and giftware that year. He is still a bestseller now and a familiar face in boutiques and shops both in the UK and abroad.
My original Highland Cow painting
Buy a large canvas print of the Highland Cow here:
vibrant colours
Take a minute to get lost in this captivating painting of a cow basking in a sunny field. Painted in vibrant colours, explore nature's peace through this original artwork.
I am currently open for painting commissions and can work with you to create your own ideal Highland Cow painting with glazed colours tailor-made to your home. Lead time is approximately 4 weeks,
close-up details
This piece is very unusual, a chestnut coloured Highland Cow surrounded by Blue Himalayan Poppies, creamy-white Morning Glories, and tiny wild flowers. I have called this painting ‘Dawyck’ for the blue poppies that grow in the botanical gardens there. I have a family connection to the Dawyck estate, as my great grandfather worked on the estate for the Balfour family and my Nana used to tell me stories of growing up there and playing in the gardens as a little girl.
This gentle cow has a slightly guilty look on her face, almost as if she has a secret. The canvas is 100cm x 80 cm and is gallery wrapped with painted sides, ready to hang. This piece is sold, view my Originals page for new paintings as they come available.
