About Bex

Hello, I’m Bex, a coloured pencil artist based in Bristol, specialising in lifelike portraits of horses, pets, wildlife and the animals that mean so much to us.

Animals have always been a huge part of my life. I grew up surrounded by cats, horses, farm animals and beautiful countryside, so I suppose it was only natural that my love of animals would eventually find its way into my art.

A lifelong love of horses

Horses, in particular, have played a huge part in my life. Over the years I’ve enjoyed showjumping, cross-country and showing, but it was dressage that eventually stole my heart.

After leaving school in 2001, I went on to study horses at agricultural college. It was there that I discovered just how much I enjoyed dressage and began to take it more seriously.

One of the biggest chapters of my life was with my Dutch Warmblood gelding. I bought him as an unbroken three-year-old stallion and, with the help of professional trainers, we worked together from the very beginning to become a competition partnership.

Watching him grow, learn and develop into the wonderful horse he became was incredibly rewarding. We competed in British Dressage at area and regional level, and one of my proudest moments was successfully riding a Medium test together.

Eventually, though, his body told us it was time to slow down. Arthritis in his neck and problems with his fetlocks meant making the difficult decision to retire him from competition. Thankfully, he now enjoys a much quieter life as a happy hacker — and he remains a very special part of my world.

Finding my way back to art

It was around this time, as life began to change a little, that I found my way back to art.

I started attending local art classes, initially simply enjoying the opportunity to be creative again. Then I discovered coloured pencils — and I was completely hooked!

I love the patience and incredible level of detail that coloured pencils allow. I can spend hours working on the tiny details that bring an animal to life, from the texture of fur and feathers to the expression in their eyes.

For me, creating a successful portrait isn't simply about making an animal look realistic. It's about capturing something of their personality too.

Capturing what makes them unique

Every animal is different, and that's what makes creating portraits so special.

Whether I'm drawing a much-loved family pet, a horse with a huge personality or a piece of British wildlife, I love looking for those little details that make each subject uniquely them.

An expression, the shape of an eye, the way an ear is held or even a familiar look can be enough to bring back memories and make a portrait feel truly personal.

That's what I aim to capture in every piece I create.

Animals, art and everything I love

When I look at my artwork, I realise it really is a combination of two things I've always loved: animals and horses, and the joy of creating something by hand.

I'm incredibly lucky to be able to bring those passions together and create artwork for people who love their animals as much as I do.

Whether you're looking to capture a beloved companion, remember an animal who has passed away, celebrate a special horse or simply bring a little more wildlife into your home, I'd love to help create something meaningful for you.

Thank you for taking the time to read a little about me and my journey.

I hope you enjoy exploring my artwork — and perhaps I'll have the opportunity to create something special for you one day.

Bex x