Drawing and painting faces—whether human or animal—has always been a profound source of inspiration for me. Faces are endlessly fascinating; they hold the power to tell stories, spark curiosity, and evoke emotion. What could be more alive and captivating than people and animals? Each face, with its unique expression, carries a world of meaning, inviting the viewer to imagine what the subject might have been doing, thinking, or feeling in that moment.
When I create a portrait, I am drawn to expressions that tell a story—moments of happiness, thought, love, cheekiness, or surprise. These fleeting emotions are what bring life and personality to my work. I strive to capture not only what my subject looks like but who they are: their essence, their character, and the unique spark that makes them special. Whether it’s the mischievous glint in the eyes of a playful dog or the quiet introspection on a human face, I look for something that moves me deeply, something that tells me, “This is the story I want to share.”
I’ve always been someone who looks beyond the surface, finding beauty in the subtle details and fleeting moments that connect us all. I love a picture that resonates emotionally, one that draws the viewer in and makes them pause—a piece that reminds us of those little glimpses of truth that reveal our shared humanity and the bonds we have with the animals we cherish.
Through my art, I aim to create portraits that not only honour the subject but also touch the hearts of those who see them, evoking emotions and sparking imagination! To me, this is the magic of art: the ability to capture a moment that feels alive, full of personality, love, and meaning.
Mo is a self-taught artist with a lifelong passion for portraiture, capturing the unique character and essence of her subjects. Her artistic journey began in childhood, when her talent for drawing was recognized by her art teacher, who encouraged her to pursue "A" level Art after she earned a "B" in her O-Level Art. Although parental expectations led her away from formal art education, she continued to explore her passion independently, with a particular focus on human portraiture, which remains her first love.
Over the years, Mo has consistently returned to art, weaving it into a life that has included a career at Barclays, living overseas for a decade, and working as a Pilates and Yoga teacher. For the past eight years, she has attended oil painting classes, expanding her skills by creating scenic landscapes of beaches and mountains, as well as painting flowers and still life. These experiences have further honed her artistic technique and broadened her creative range.
At the age of 55, Mo decided to fully embrace her lifelong passion and pursue a career as a professional artist. She recently discovered the vibrant medium of soft pastels and pastel pencils, which has transformed her approach to art. Specializing in pet portraiture, she also paints other animals and is currently working on her Primate Series, a collection of works celebrating the beauty and diversity of primates from around the world. This series allows her to combine her love for animals with her talent for capturing expression and personality, creating pieces that are both evocative and full of life.
In a significant milestone for her career, one of Mo’s recent pieces—a portrait of a Macaque monkey—was selected by ArteFact Magazine for a double-page spread promoting the upcoming Spring Exhibition (May 2025) of the Association of Animal Artists, of which she is a proud member. This magazine is distributed to friends of Birmingham museums and galleries as well as to numerous galleries across the West Midlands, providing a wonderful platform to showcase her work.
Working from her kitchen table studio, Mo has built her reputation largely through word of mouth, with her pet portrait commissions resonating deeply with clients. A proud member of the Association of Animal Artists, she participated in her first exhibition last year, marking an exciting milestone in her career. She is currently winding down her Pilates and Yoga teaching commitments to devote more time to her art.
Through her work, Mo not only celebrates the beauty and individuality of animals but also continues her lifelong exploration of human expression in portraits, especially of her own children, who remain among her favourite faces to paint. Her story is one of perseverance and passion, demonstrating that it is never too late to follow one’s dreams.
