Gifted Artists
We recently published a review article for a pet portrait artist over in the USA, and although most artists will ship their work to anywhere across the globe, it is usually easier and more cost effective to find someone more local to your own country. That being said, when it comes to our pets and any form of artistic impression of them; the recreation needs to be of the highest quality to impress us discerning pet owners.
Luckily for our many UK readers who are on the look out for a pet portrait, either for themselves or to give as a gift; this review is of a truly gifted artist who’s paintings and drawings of pets and other animals, really will amaze and delight.
A pet portrait brings with it many years of joy and memories, both of animals still with us and of those who have passed and although there are many artists who’s work we love and find stunning, we have found something extra special in the work of those published in our review section, and especially in that of Meriel’s Pet Portraits.
Meriel’s Pet Portraits
Meriel Burden lives in Ballaugh on the Isle of Man and is an avid lover of all animals. Although she is a trained veterinary nurse, her passion and gift for creating stunning animal art has given her a career spanning many years and has enabled her to combine her love of animals with her passion for art, setting up Meriel’s Pet Portraits online.
Graduating with a degree in Fine Art (Painting), Meriel has created many pet portraits, including a commissioned piece for comedian Vic Reeves of his 2 pet pigs. She has also illustrated a book on the Swedish Vallhund, which is a small cattle dog and regularly exhibits her work at the Sayle Gallery in Douglas, Isle of Man.
Meriel paints using acrylics, watercolour and oils and also provides portraits in pencil, charcoal or Conte pastel on different types of paper. She understands that creating a pet portrait means capturing an animal’s character, and as a lifelong animal lover and someone who understand the anatomy and physiology of animals as well as their looks, Meriel’s artwork is one of the best we have seen.
![Pet Portraits - The Dog Express]( "Pet Portraits - The Dog Express")
Review
As with any review of an artist, the best way to explain how truly stunning Meriel’s commissions are is to take a look at the gallery portraits we have added below, because they really do speak for themselves.
It is clear to see Meriel’s affinity with animals, and particularly those that she paints, from the gallery sections on the Meriel’s Pet Portraits website. The paintings and drawings are not simply recreations or even artist impressions of people’s pets; they transcend the paper that they have been illustrated upon and seem to have a life of their own off the page.
Each animal’s nature and personality can be seen through the detail and definition that Meriel adds to all of her creations and we are sure that each and every pet owner who receives their commissioned piece, are truly awe inspired by the pet portrait.
- Dog Painting Gallery
- Cat Gallery
- Horse Gallery
- Montage Gallery
- Drawing Gallery
- Other Animals Gallery
The Meriel’s Pet Portrait website is as equally impressive and very simple and chic in its style and layout. Navigation of the site is easy and Meriel even provides helpful hints and tips on taking the perfect photo for the perfect pet portrait, including lighting tips and even offering to take the photo herself at no extra charge for those living on the Isle of Man.
Gallery
We have listed the many animal portrait galleries on Meriel’s website above and urge you to take a look at all of them, because her artwork really is magnificent. There are so many stunning paintings and drawings to choose from that the hardest part of writing this review has been choosing which portraits to display in this article, as they are all our favourites.
We have finally narrowed down the list and obviously we have chosen lots of dogs; but a few other animals have sneaked their way into our display as well.
Our Verdict
We are so awed by anyone who has a talent and gift that enables others to feel joy and pleasure about their pets. It is such a treat to be able to promote an artist such as Meriel to the wider public, because we know that it is as much a service and benefit to The Dog Express readers as it is to Meriel herself.
Meriel’s pet paintings and drawings are of the highest quality and provide such a depth of character and personality, that no pet owner should be without one of her commissions in their home. Meriel offers a full range of sizes and mediums, making her work both affordable and adaptable; providing suitability as a gift or purchase for everyone.
We of course give Meriel’s Pet Portraits our highest review rating, because there is no way to fault or mark down the talent and skill involved in what she produces. No pet lover could be disappointed in a commissioned recreation of their pet, because Meriel’s work is so life-like and detailed that not many other artists could match her level of creativity and passion.
Meriel’s Pet Portraits Details
