Vanessa Unsworth

Since my earliest memories, art has been a longstanding passion. Having grown up on a farm and having my own horses, animals have been a constant source of creative inspiration throughout my life. Whilst I did study art to A-level, I’d consider myself to be predominantly self taught.

After graduating with a degree in Accounting and Finance I began working in industry and soon found myself taking commissions for animal portraits on the side and a few years later, in 2006 I decided to leave the accounting world to begin a career as an animal portrait artist. My animal portraits have provided me with some amazing opportunities, none more prestigious than being commissioned to paint a portrait of the racehorse, Al Kazeem, for our late Queen.  

Alongside my animal portraits, I've begun to allow myself the freedom to explore art that ignites my spirit. Animals, particularly horses, remain a focal point, intertwined with forgotten landscapes and architecture. The contrast of man made beauty against nature intrigues me. I'm drawn to structures and places that hold stories of days gone by that we start to become blind to as their purpose has long faded away. In contrast, I feel animals challenge us to be curious, to withhold judgement and be open.

At present I feel my style is still evolving. Whilst I naturally lean towards creating more detailed work I am starting to play with more expressive and suggestive mark making in my paintings and experimenting with my painting process itself, something I’d like to push further. My medium of preference is oils however I like to begin by working in charcoal, pencil or pen for my preliminary studies, either working from photos or from life. Once I have settled on the idea and composition I move to oils for the final piece.