Sarah Perkins
Do you concentrate on one medium, or do you work in several?
I specialise in wildlife artworks & pet portraiture. I use only acrylic paints on either canvas or textured paper. My style is self developed using the paint in both its dense form, along with layered washes of colour.
Working from photographs, I create a contemporary interpretation of the subjects, resulting in colourful, expressive & highly detailed artworks.
Tell me about your workspace.
For 5 years up until 2024 I was a tenant at Banks Mill studios in Derby. This workspace owned by Derby University was pivotal in my development as an artist. Unfortunately due to the pressures of family life, I took the step to work from home and have created a colourful home office/studio.
My dream would be to have a peaceful studio cabin in the garden
What inspires you?
I am inspired by the variety & details in nature itself. My current love are birds!
I have extensive files of stunning reference photographs of animal's to draw inspiration from. These photos are taken by super talented amateur photographers who take pleasure from artists using their work to create from.
I divide my time between my own creations & commissioned pet portraits/artworks.
I particularly find creating bespoke portraits rewarding. Each subject is unique and I receive such amazing feedback from clients, who tell me how I have captured their character & essence perfectly! You can't really ask for more than that!
Do you have a favourite piece in your Little Gallery exhibition?
My favourite piece is called "Majestic" - it's a close up study of a peacock. I loved the vibrant colours & detail involved. Inspiration came from seeing them wandering around the castle on "The traitors" tv programme!
How did you start doing what you do?
I was always creative as a child & was specially selected to attend art tutoring at Leek college of art from the age of 10. On leaving school I studied fashion at College & University, becoming a clothing designer for some years. Then out of the blue I changed career & became a police officer. I served Derbyshire for 21 years before retiring in 2017
It was then that I picked up my paintbrush again. It started with a surprise portrait of my friend's dog for her 50th birthday. I posted the artwork on facebook, which resulted in friends & family encouraging me to paint professionally & it all went from there !
Since then I have received extensive commissioned work including high profile charitable collaborations with The Household Cavalry, The Horse Trust & The Derbyshire Bat group.
It's wonderful to know that my artworks & products have found homes countrywide & even internationally.
Do you work on your creative business full time, or do you have another job as well?
Being an artist is my only job. Being self employed allows flexibility to work at my own pace around family life & my health.
If you have spare time, what do you do with it?
Being a busy mum of 2 lively boys, I love to grab chances to relax with the occasional spa day with my girlfriends , some reflexology or reiki. Or even a stroll in nature with my dog. It certainly balances me up for creativity.
I also like to watch comedians live on stage, cinema & meals out with my husband.
Plus travel has always been important to me - I especially love cruises & exploring new cities.
What's next for you?
I have applied for a small selection of Artisan events that will take place over the coming year where I can showcase my artworks. I'm also planning on developing my creative practice further through allowing myself time to explore new techniques.
