Not my usual style, but a little 'pop art' for a change. Another portrait of 'Petal' my Japanese Chin who always seems to be smiling and happy in whatever she is doing. I just wanted to capture her lovely happy face that greets me every morning. This is a really large piece that now hangs in our hall way to greet all visitors to our home.

When I visited Walt Disney World in Florida way back in 2006 I saw this painting by Charles Wissig, an animator for Disney Studios in the 'Art of Animation' shop. At over $20,000 it was not one I could afford to buy, so I purchased the picture postcard instead with the intention of having a go myself. Well 15 years later and I final got around to it.

As 'Sleeping Beauty' is one of the classic Disney films it happens to be one of my favourite, especially this scene when Maleficent turns into the Dragon. This is A1 in Size so a large piece, but great fun to complete.

One of my favourite subjects to paint are primates. This picture seemed to capture the Chimp in deep thought.

This is a very heart felt painting of my two Japanese Chin girls, who I totally adore.

When starting a new painting I always try and find an image or photo that has a level of feeling. The start with a simple pencil sketch to ensure I have all the features in the right place and right perspective. I usually then start painting the eyes...if I can't get those right then it simply gets scrapped! I have a water colour wash across the whole painting background and then start the details with layers and layers of colour.

When I saw this image in a BBC Wildlife Magazine back in the 1990's it really captured my imagination. You could see the intelligence in the Chimps eyes, looking back and contemplating life, the universe and everything.

I do like my subjects to be looking back at you. helps also to give that 'being watched' feeling as their eyes then follow you as you walk away? This chap just simply looked content with life.