My love of animals and the natural world began early. I grew up fascinated by the gentle world of Beatrix Potter, and some of my fondest childhood memories are of exploring nature with my Nan. She would show us the wildlife and plants in her garden and take us on woodland walks, encouraging us to notice the small details in the world around us.

I was always happiest when I could be around animals, whether spending time on a friend’s farm or wandering around the moors and seeing the Dartmoor ponies. I would find any opportunity I could to be close to animals and observe them in their natural surroundings.

And, unsurprisingly, I was drawing animals whenever I could too! At school, I sometimes became more absorbed in drawing than the written task I had been set for the lesson.

Although art had always been part of me, there was a long period of my life when I stopped drawing. Life took me in different directions, and for years I left that part of myself behind.

I found my way back to art during a particularly difficult time, when my Nan was ill with cancer. She had always encouraged my love of animals and creativity, and shortly before she passed away, she told me to pursue my dreams with my art.

Her words stayed with me, I made a promise to myself that I would find my way back to the art world one day- and slowly I began to do just that.

Returning to art has given me a way to reconnect with something that had been part of me since childhood. What started with those early drawings of animals has grown into Kelly Roach Art, where I can combine my love of wildlife with my passion for creating detailed, realistic artwork.

Living in Cornwall, with the landscapes of Devon close by, gives me endless inspiration for my artwork. From rugged coastlines and quiet woodland to open moorland and rolling countryside, I’m surrounded by places where wildlife and nature are always close at hand.

I’m especially drawn to the quieter moments in nature- the changing light across the landscape, the colours of the seasons and the glimpse of an animal going about its daily life. The Dartmoor ponies are a particular favourite, and I have always loved spending time watching them in their natural surrondings.

These landscapes have shaped my appreciation for the natural world and continue to influence the colours, subjects, and atmosphere that find their way into my work. Whether I am drawing a familiar native species or an animal further afield, I hope to capture that same sense of connection with nature that has inspired me since childhood.

When I’m not drawing, family life keeps me busy. I’m a mum of two daughters, and our home is shared with a rather lively collection of animals- two springer spaniels, a cocker spaniel, a tabby cat and a marine aquarium filled with fish and other fascinating creatures.

Living alongside so many animals means there is never a shortage of inspiration, whether it’s noticing the character of our own pets or simply watching the wildlife around us. They are a constant reminder of why I love animals so much and why I enjoy capturing their individual personalities through my artwork.

Materials

I believe the materials I use are an important part of creating artwork that can be enjoyed for years to come. I take great care in selecting professional quality materials, choosing each surface and pencil for the qualities it brings to the finished piece.

My coloured pencil work is created using a combination of artist-quality pencils, including Faber-Castell Polychromos, Caran d’Ache Luminance, Caran d’Ache Pablo and Derwint Lightfast. Each range has its own characteristics, allowing me to build layers of colour, fine detail and subtle changes in tone to capture the texture and character of each subject.

Original Artwork

For my original artwork, I work across a selection of carefully chosen professional papers and surfaces, including Grafix drafting film, Clairefontaine Pastelmat, Derwent Lightfast paper and Fabriano Artistico watercolour paper. I choose the surface according to the subject and the qualities I want to achieve in each piece.

Fine Art Prints and Greetings Cards

For my fine art prints and greetings cards, I work with Southgate Studios, a local professional printer, who I trust to reproduce my artwork using high-quality materials and careful printing processes. My artwork is produced as giclée prints using high- quality materials, allowing the detail and richness of the original to be reproduced. This allows me to maintain a high standard of quality from the original artwork through to the finished print.