You may have seen various pieces of Stacey Greenshield’s art posted on social media recently and if you are like me, when I see it, her illustrations always bring a smile to my face. It is hard to believe that this talented artist only started drawing and painting during lockdown in April 2020. Although she had studied art at school, Stacey chose a career working with horses as an international show jumping groom which took her all over the world, including to the London Olympics in 2012. So how did Stacey get into developing her artistic skills?
“My first painting was for my sister as our old pony had recently passed away and I wanted to have a memory created for her. I had thought of asking another artist to undertake the painting, but my own finances did not permit this, so I tried some painting at home. That sparked a fire that I didn’t know was in me and I started to teach myself how to draw pet portraits and use watercolours. I sold my first custom portrait to a friend a few weeks later and have kept drawing and experimenting ever since.”
What makes Stacey’s art so different is that she creates quirky and unique bespoke illustrations from photos. Using a combination of watercolour paint, finished off with ink on high quality watercolour card, the end result makes the perfect gift for anyone for any occasion.
“Whilst I work with photographs, images do not need to be taken from just one photo. I can create your illustration and change any details you like such as clothing, person or pet position, location, weather. You name it and I can make it happen. My illustrations have a resemblance to the person or pet illustrated, with a charming, whimsical style and they are utterly distinctive.
When creating pet portraits from dogs to horses, I work in a variety of mediums, either watercolours, coloured pencils or pastel pencils which are selected to suit the style and look my client is looking for. Whilst watercolour is loose and playful, graphite and coloured pencils are more detailed adding a realism to the piece.”
In the past few months, Stacey has been creating unique live wedding guest illustrations which is rapidly becoming one of the most unique and imaginative ways to wow and surprise wedding guests. Stacey attends your special day from the ceremony, taking photos of the guests which, she then illustrates in a matter of minutes. Guests are then able to take home a special memory of the day.
“Attending weddings to draw guests is one of the most exciting jobs I’ve had. Having come from working as an equine show jumping groom, my new career is so different but so much fun. People ask if I get nervous before going to someone’s wedding, to just show up at a random venue with total strangers. Truth is, I’m in my element! I get to listen and talk to people I’ve never met, share stories, have people compliment my work (the best part of course) whilst watching two people start the newest chapter in their lives. Perfect.
So, to all those creative minds out there, whether you’ve taken the plunge or thinking about it, I see you, I will cheer for you and I will never be a competitor, as there will always be room for us all in this industry.”
The New Year has got off to a good start for Stacey as she has been commissioned to illustrate a book and has already started creating fabulous Valentine’s cards so there is no time to lose if you would like to commission her for a special artwork creation for you.
To find out how you can commission one of Stacey’s creative pieces simply visit staceygreenshieldart.co.uk.
Her Facebook page is Stacey Greenshield Art, Instagram @staceygreenshieldart
