ARTIST

Roxanne Barker lives in south-west London, U.K. She studied Art & Photography and Art ‘A’ Level in Richmond-upon-Thames, Surrey.

“I was unaware at that time my great, great grandfather, Charles Augustus Howell was the art agent for Dante Gabriel Rossetti and the Pre-Raphaelites. I may well have continued in this field, yet left art behind to pursue a variety of exciting opportunities.”

A few years ago Roxanne first volunteered and then later worked for the NHS. There was one very special introduction; Roxanne met a therapy dog called Miko.

“I felt inspired to draw Miko’s portrait. Miko was rescued by his human, called Isabel from Estepona in Spain. I too lived there many years ago and helped out at a neighbouring rescue dog centre, immediately our Spanish bond was formed. Thanks to Miko; I now create dog portraits for their owners.”

“Through my artwork, I channel the energy of the animal I am meeting on paper. They seem to come alive.

I work with Faber-Castell pencils, Prismacolour, Caran D’ache on cartridge paper.”

Your dog portrait would be a perfect way to send a message to friends, family, colleagues and professionals. It’s an expression of friendship or other connection that help to share our thoughts.

AUTHOR

Roxanne has written and illustrated her first children’s book. She is currently writing her second fiction novel for young adults. A third for adults is in the pipeline. She is an aspiring author and illustrator.

Roxanne’s introduction to writing and illustration was inspired by quite an unexpected moment while visiting her cousin in Germany. She stayed in a log cabin in their forest, alongside four unusual cats that lived there too. Her cousin owned a small caravan parked near to the cabin. The sight of a witch’s broom and magical feel about the place; this was the making of Roxanne’s first book.

In honour of her uncle’s encouragement and wishes, Roxanne dedicated this book to him and her aunt. Before her uncle passed away of cancer, he introduced two characters for her book, which she fondly introduces you to in later chapters.

“Sometimes life’s twists and turns change our paths, if we can keep an open-heart and mind it could just lead us to wonderful moments.”

Photographer, Ustinov Photo Video