I’m Lou, an artist and illustrator based in Cornwall, and I’ve been drawing animals for as long as I can remember.

My career began in illustration and design, with early work including animal themed cards and illustrations for Liberty and Harrods. I also spent time creating scientific and medical illustrations before moving to Cornwall in the 1990’s.

Cornwall has been home ever since. Over the years I’ve worked from creative spaces including Krowji, taken part in Open Studios Cornwall and helped run Studio 47 at Heartlands. Alongside my own artwork, I’ve always loved being part of the wider creative community here.

Animals have remained at the heart of my work throughout it all.

I love drawing animals not just because of how they look, but because of their personalities. A particular expression, a slightly wonky ear or the way an animal holds itself can tell you so much. I’m interested in that connection between people and animals the stories, affection and characters that make every animal unique.

My work has also always had a strong connection with animal welfare and conservation. I’ve supported animal rescue charities through my artwork and have used my illustrations to draw attention to endangered and vulnerable animals.

These days I work from my home studio, creating original drawings, small artworks and animal-inspired pieces under Drawn by Lou.

After many years of making highly detailed commissioned portraits, I’m enjoying giving myself more freedom to explore my own ideas creating work that is playful, characterful and unmistakably mine.