Luna
Framed oil on canvas panel
30cm x 23cm
January 2020
My first commission in oils and my first time creating a wedding present, so delighted with how she turned out.
This is Luna, a cheeky, playful cockerpoo. Currently having a great run on doggy commissions.
Wasn't expecting to be able to show this one until after the big day but the client was so excited to show her daughter and soon-to-be son-in-law that the proverbial cat was let out the bag early.
Luna was framed in a wooden with metallic effect frame with an ivory mount.
Client's comment: 'They are ecstatic about your painting! Such a success Tamsin. Thank you so much.'
Toby
Framed acrylic on canvas panel
40cm x 30cm
January 2020
My first commission of 2020 is Toby, a retired racing greyhound.
Under the name of Desert Falcon, he raced 63 times, won eight and came second in six.
Now aged six, he's adapted to stretching out on the sofa very well. A cool dude with such faraway eyes, like he's eyeing up the finish line.
Client's comment: 'Wow, amazing. '
Merlot
Framed acrylic on canvas panel
40cm x 30cm
November 2019
This beautiful old boy still has puppy eyes. Merlot is always the perfect gentleman and, despite his 13 years, can still be found bounding around like a youngster occasionally.
There were happy tears when I revealed it to the client and the new owner was 'blown away' when he opened it on Christmas morning.
Client's comment: 'Everyone absolutely loves it. You have really captured him. And yes I cried again. '
Blue
Acrylic on box canvas
90cm x 60cm
November 2019
Here's Blue. He's a proper poser as any chance he gets he's admiring himself in the mirror. And he's thought to be a Welsh section D, known for their prancing and with a nickname of fire-breathing dragon! So he's a cheeky wee blighter too.
But pleased to say he behaved impeccably for me.
Client's comment: 'Oh wow!!! That's cracking! You've caught Blue's expression so well. I absolutely love it.'
Pathfinder
Framed acrylic on canvas panel
35.5cm x 28cm
November 2019
An unusual request and certainly not a subject I've tried before. But just to show I'm more than happy to accommodate all requests if I can.
The composition came from a favourite picture for setting and style along with a sketch I did of an angel brought together in close consultation with the client for her husband's birthday present.
Client's comment: 'It's beautiful Tamsin'
Callie and Co
Acrylic on stretched canvas
40cm x 30cm
November 2019
Here's a family's beloved pets, past and present, brought together for the first time in a group portrait for a Christmas present. A truly treasured gang, Poppy, Casper, Callie and Rubble, who I now feel I know, having studied them so intently.
Some of the reference photos were quite old and not as detailed as I would like but I do love a challenge.
Client's comment: ''OMG, that's beautiful. I have tears in my eyes. It's amazing. They will love it. Seriously, I could cry.'
Bertie
Acrylic on stretched canvas
40cm x 30cm
October 2019
Meet Bertie, a very cute border terrier who was a total dream to paint.
Created from one of his owner's favourite photos of him, he made the perfect surprise birthday present for her husband.
It's not easy finding something different to buy a special someone year after year.
But I'm reliably informed the birthday boy loved this original pet portrait.
Client's comment: 'It's amazing'
Sidney
Acrylic on stretched canvas
40cm x 30cm
September 2019
Took the dog for a stroll and came back with a commission to paint this pooch.
Painted Sidney from a photo I took of him in the park.
A friendly, if somewhat yappy, old chap who is good at keeping our young pup in her place when she gets too playful and bouncy.
His owner didn't specify any particular colour scheme but when I delivered it to her home we found the perfect place for it and the blues and greens were just the job.
A Dip
Acrylic on canvas panel
25cm x 20cm
July 2019
Was moved to gift this commission. It now belongs to a brave lady who is going through the toughest of times and needs some joy in her life. I'm in awe of her fighting spirit and it's important to me she has something she loves to look at.
Client's comment: 'OMG it's beautiful. I'm so touched. I will love it forever. I can't stop looking at it. '
Alvin
Acrylic on stretched canvas
25cm x 20cm
May 2019
On a roll with horses at the moment.
This is Alvin. A surprise birthday present to put a smile on the face of the young girl who rides this fine chap.
Client's comment: 'I love it. It's amazing. You are so talented. Thank you. She will be so pleased.'
Twister
Acrylic on stretched canvas
50cm x 40cm
May 2019
A tough call but got there in the end. This was a blend of a fuzzy Facebook photo for composition and a number of images of the boy Oscar and his dog Boris for likeness.
A smidge of artistic licence needed with this 40th birthday present for Oscar's dad, commissioned by his sister.
It challenged me to dig that bit deeper too.
Client's comment: 'The painting captured a typical moment between boy and dog, and my brother was very impressed. Thanks Tamsin. It looks great on their wall.'
Maverick
Acrylic on box canvas
90cm x 60cm
March 2019
The late Maverick was an absolute dream of a horse, I'm told, as well as a striking beast.
A treasured companion immortalised on canvas and now hanging on the client's high walls in Glasgow.
Client's comment: 'Oh wow! I love it! I love how you've done his colour rather than him being a flat orange. He used to change colour in the seasons. The colour is perfect.
You've got his expression too. He was nice-natured.'
The Chase
Acrylic on stretched canvas
80cm x 60cm
March 2019
Finished this commission in March but the birthday boy wanted to save it till his big day in June.
A nail-bitingly long time wait for the verdict but thankfully he liked it.
Features his three favourite racehorses, Castoret, Denman and Rooster Booster.
Client's comment: 'My fovourite bit is Castoret. Brilliant job."
Chris and Chris
Acrylic on box canvas
40cm x 40cm
January 2019
A surprise present to capture a joyful outing for this cycling duo.
Yes, the bike is supposed to be that small. It's a little electric tandem.
Client's comment: 'Very happy with the results of my commissioned artwork. Tamsin has created a lasting memory from a snapshot of a fun day in the summer sun that will brighten our winter wall space.
Love the portfolio and just wish we had room for a wonderful bird study as displayed here. Hope the wider public are able to appreciate this clever artistry too. Well done Tamsin.'
Bunker
Acrylic on box canvas
45cm x 35cm
March 2018
Love that moment of impact in any physical activity. Never been a golfer myself but can still appreciate the satisfaction of a solid strike.
This one was for a very dedicated golfer indeed. Three times a week minimum. Happy birthday!
Client's comment: 'Delighted with the painting. It's exactly what I was looking for as a special birthday present. You capture the atmosphere of the subject matter so well. A very successful commission. Many thanks.'
Alex
Acrylic on box canvas
60cm x 50cm
March 2018
Continuing my recent run of bike-themed paintings, this was a birthday present for the action man in the saddle.
Another fab reference photo to work from.
As gifts go, you can't get much more personalised than that.
Client's comment: 'I love the colours and the movement. I love the way your eye gets drawn to the biker, my husband. It's awesome and will have pride of place in our front room.'
Bounce
Acrylic on box canvas
60cm x 50cm
February 2018
The client provided a great photo to work from.
Apart from my self-portrait, which was an experiment inspired by a trip to Edinburgh's National Portrait Gallery, this was my first proper go at faces.
Love a challenge. Always learning.
Client's comment: 'Thank you Tamsin. You've captured the exuberance of my kids perfectly. I love it.'
Ride It
Acrylic on box canvas
45cm x 35cm
January 2018
My first ever commission. Will be for ever grateful to the wonderful client who took a complete leap of faith in trusting me to do this and believed in me totally.