I am an artist living in a small town in Hertfordshire with my family and Ruff our West Highland White Terrier, or Westie... My dog doesn’t realise he is a small white terrier, he thinks his body is as big as his heart, and he can take on anything, and do anything.

When I’m not in my studio I enjoy acting, directing and making nice thing to eat. Whenever possible I escape to my studio with my muse, Ruff. Ruff is quite happy to sleep all day while I beaver away.

I am interested in capturing the sense of a moment in time in my work. Animals have the capacity to be completely ‘in the moment’ whatever they are doing. Being with animals, particularly dogs, relaxes me and reminds me to be more playful and have fun. A lot of my work is inspired by stories that I read about the amazing courage, loyalty and dedication that animals show.

Over the last year I have been concentrating on portraits of both animals and people. I usually paint in oil but also still like to experiment with print making.

Commissions are available on request.

View my website http://www.chrissierichards.co.uk/