I’ve always enjoyed creating characters. This combined with a lifelong love for animals has felt like a natural progression to painting these portraits. My background as a children’s book illustrator has definitely fed into my painting practice. The anthropomorphism of animals is a tool used in picture books which helps bring the animals to life, connecting the reader with the character. I think it’s why people connect with my paintings so much. 
The use of food and sweets from the past triggers childhood memories and nostalgia which plays an important role in creating a narrative and atmosphere that also connects the viewer to the work. 

Artist: Alison Friend @mcfriendy