About
Meet the Artist
Born in The Potteries, I was an artistic child & loved to practice at every opportunity!
At 10 years old I received extra tutoring at Leek College of Art due to my primary school teacher highlighting my abilities. From school, I then went on to study Fashion design at Leek College of Art & then further studied at Derby University. Immediatley after graduating I worked in the fashion industry as a designer for several years specialising in sports and swimwear.
Then out of the blue I decided on a complete career change & I joined the Police Service. My communication and people skills came to the fore and I dedicated 21 years to the people of Derbyshire. Unfortunately due to becoming physically unfit to perform the role I was retired in July 2017. During those 21 years, I met my husband James, have been blessed with 3 children, and our little Shih tzu doggy “Sweep”. Plus, more recently along came our tuxedo cat "Filip".
So due to shifts & busy family life, art was put on hold for quite sometime, but once retired, and with friends and family encouragement, I finally picked up a paintbrush again.
I started with a portrait of a dear friends dog, and surprised her on her 50th Birthday. This was Sammy, who you will see in my gallery pictures. From there I was massively encouraged to paint professionally, and as they say...the rest is history.
I'm finally following my dream and what is meant to be ….better late than never eh!?
My paintings are lively with layers of colour using the preferred medium of acrylic paint on canvas. My techniques are self developed, using the paint with a mixture of dense layers, dry dragging & layered washes of colour. I’ve always been a lover of the impressionist painters & the pointillism styles of painting and I believe this reflected in my work.
When producing portrait commissions it is important for me to succeed in portraying the character of the subject. It gives me great pleasure to know that my customers love my style. They like the fact that their beloved pet is transformed into a creative piece of art.
It's been rewarding as an artist to have the freedom to produce my own creative works too & equally fulfilling in the knowledge that people are drawn to them and making them a focal point in their homes.
my art studio
my art studio
After a wonderful 5 years at Banks Mill Studios in Derby, my time has come to an end as an Incubation resident artist.
I am truly thankful for the opportunity to build my business and the support that The University of Derby has given me.
I am proudly now an official member of Banks Mill Studios.
At present I am creating from home in my own bright office space, with walls covered in inspiration. Now that I’m working from home, my creating hours are varied throughout the week & weekend.
You will usually find me with a cup of decaf tea or bottle of water ,listening to chilled music on my DAB radio, or with my headphones on taking in an inspirational audiobook. I need music to be calm as it helps me to relax and focus on the painting in hand.
My creative space would be described by fellow artists and visitors as Zen like! I must admit I do like a tidy clean space to work in, where I can start a new day with a clear mind.. I’m certainly not a messy painter.
Stockists & Galleries
Enquiries
I am honoured that you would consider having my artwork for your walls and/or shop.
Gallery Owners: Please contact me to discuss your gallery and your ideas to info@sarahperkinsart.co.uk
Shop Owners: I offer my high quality prints, cards, cushions and other homewares at wholesale prices to select shops, please contact me with your requirements and to discuss further.
Interior designers: I am happy to work with selected designers who I trust will show off my work to it's very best in beautifully designed homes. I offer designers a discount on high quality prints and other items. Please email me at info@sarahperkinsart.co.uk to discuss further. Please note I do not offer discounts on original paintings nor do I allow my work to be marked up without my consent.
Current Galleries and stockists
Derby Uncovered
11, Sadlergate, Derby, DE1 3NF
Opening times - Mon to Sat (9am-5pm) Closed Sun
Tel 01332 238608
Derby Museum & Art Gallery
The Strand, Derby DE1 1BS
Monday* - Closed
Tuesday - Saturday 10.30 – 4.00
Sunday - 12.00 – 4.00
The Derbyshire Emporium
Matlock St, Bakewell DE45 1EE
Tel 01629 812818
Opening times: Mon 9:00 – 16:00, Tues-Fri 10:00 – 16:00, Sat 9:00 – 17:00, Sun 10:00 – 16:00
You can also find my work available online at: