A graduate of Nottingham Trent University with a degree in Fine Art and Printmaking, Alison Friend was also the first female stonemason for the City of Nottingham. She is an accomplished children’s illustrator of over 20 published books to date — with notable publishers such as Harper Collins, Nosy Crow, Hodder Children’s, Templar, Usbourne, Little Tiger Press and most recently Alfred Knopf.

A British realist with a modernist vision, her paintings are inspired by nature and her cheeky sense of humour. Dreamy delicate brush strokes abound every canvas where she captures the secret lives of animals. Every character comes to life on canvas whether having a lolly or a gin.

Alison says of her process, “I start off with an idea for a character. I have lots in my head. It’s like a waiting room until it’s their time to come out! As strong as an idea for a character is, they do take on a life of their own. That’s what I love. I get to know them as the painting progresses.

"I keep the beginnings of a painting very loose and – a few brush marks can create a particularly funny expression and all of a sudden there they are!

"I really focus on those glances our pets give us. We think of them as having human emotions and I try to capture that. It’s how we connect with the animals in our lives. Hopefully I bring just enough to the work for the viewer to create their own story for the subject. I want the viewer to be part of the creative process.”

Alison’s original paintings are sold to collectors worldwide. She has exhibited her work through galleries in London, Scotland, and the USA.

Alison lives with her son in the Lake District.