Where Art and Passion Collide – Welcome to my World!

Hello and welcome! If you have found your way here, chances are you share a love for art and animals like I do. Whether you are a fellow advocate for responsible breeding, an art enthusiast or someone looking for a special artwork who wants to learn a little more about me, I am thrilled to have you here!

A Little About Me

My passion in life has always been centred around the Purebred dog. I am a second generation Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeder and have spent years advocating and educating about well-bred, purebred, ETHICALLY bred dogs. I have also spent more than two decades professionally handling numerous breeds. At my last count it was over 63 different breeds but the focus and specialisation was always on the Hound breeds.

I have worked in the Veterinary Industry for the last 17 years, studying for my qualifications in Animal Behaviour first and then studying to become a Veterinary Technician. I have quite literally worked with every possible species you could come across at a Veterinary hospital, from the normal – dogs and cats, to the bigger – horses and livestock, to the wild and wonderful – lions, tigers and penguins. I am now working as an Aquatic Veterinary Technician for a large Salmon Farming company in New Zealand. I left the traditional practice environment to move towards a different form of animal health six years ago, when I moved from South Africa to New Zealand. It is both challenging and rewarding and every single day is different!

I am a qualified Hound and Gundog Group judge and have been judging for the past 17 years. I have also worked extensively in the rescue/welfare world and spent years doing pro bono behavioural consultations for rescue dogs and cats, housed, raised and homed fosters, and “foster-failed” on numerous occasions!

With all this animal background, my connection to animals runs a little deeper than the pencil or brush strokes. My whole life has, and always will, revolve around them.

The Heart of My Work

I like to think that the unique blend of my background and my deep, genuine love of all animals allows me to create portraits that go beyond aesthetics; they tell stories, capture personalities, breed integrity and the one of a kind connection we share with our animals. I truly believe that we should be preserving Purebred dogs, much like we do priceless artifacts and pieces of historical significance. Their history is our history, purebred dogs have helped mankind to advance at every step of the way and every breed that moves towards being rare or endangered is moving us closer to losing an important part of our own history. My artwork is more than just a visual representation of a subject – it is about honouring the essence of each animal- whether it is a commissioned portrait celebrating a lifelong companion, or an original fine art piece that pays tribute to our shared history with a specific breed.

“Their history is our history, purebred dogs have helped mankind to advance at every step of the way and every breed that moves towards being rare or endangered is moving us closer to losing an important part of our own history.”

Helen Theron

Beyond my art, I am passionate about advocating for well-bred, responsibly bred, purebred dogs and supporting the ethical breeders behind them. Through my artwork, my writing and my life, I aim to educate, celebrate and spark meaningful conversations around the importance of preservation breeding, responsible ownership, and the art that immortalises these incredible animals.

What You’ll Find Here

This blog will be a place where art meets education, where I share my insights into my creative process, highlight the fascinating world of Purebred dogs, and explore lighthearted yet meaningful topics that connect us all as enthusiasts. You can expect posts about:

• My art and my creative process
• Fun stories, history and a bit of myth-busting in the world of Purebred dogs
• Tips and tricks, ranging from art related to the handling of your dog in the showring
• Breed specific features

I want this space to be a celebration of both art and the animals we adore – so whether you are here to browse, learn, or commission a special artwork, I hope you find inspiration and connection.

Welcome to my world – I am excited to share it with you!