Collection: Carol Gillan

Artist Carol Gillan - Mixed Media Original Paintings:-

Carol worked as an illustrator until she specialised in dramatic and humorous animal and pet portraits.  “It’s my aim to bring the viewer face to face with a living, breathing animal, to make you smile as co-conspirators, want to ruffle their hair, laugh or take them home!” 

Living close to farms Carol always has a camera on hand when walking to photograph inquisitive cows or dogs.  She also pays regular visits to farmers and breeders to keep reference material fresh.  Due to the nature of her sitters, extensive use of photographs, sketches and notes are made to best capture the individual character and personality of the animal. These allow her to achieve an informal, composed painting which is both a realistic likeness and a uniquely distinctive interpretation. 

Although Carol’s work is contemporary in style, her technique is classically influenced.  Working in oil on canvas, she over-paints thin layers of oils slowly building up the image to create greater translucency and luminosity, a lifelike representation but with a twist.

The animal is cropped and presented against the solid background of colour to maximize its impact and put the spotlight firmly on the main subject of the composition. She employs the medium of oil because it adds depth to each image, enabling her to portray the texture of an animals coat, the shadows of its muscle tone, and especially its personality, humour which she believes can be conveyed through the expression in its eyes. 

Carol's work has been exhibited widely across the UK, Australia and Europe and she has undertaken commissions for individuals and corporations worldwide.