About the Artist

My name is Janice Philpott and I have been drawing ever since I could hold a pencil. I have always been passionate about animals, especially dogs, so it seemed natural to combine the two. My favourite medium is chalk pastel, being well suited to the textures and colours of my animal subjects. I have also started branching out using enamel on wooden articles, such as house plaques, keyrings and dumbells.

I live in Shropshire with my 3 dogs, 2 Schipperkes and a Norwegian Buhund. I enjoy training and competing in obedience and agility with my dogs.

Both my Schipperkes are undocked and have lovely curly, waggy tails, which was the inspiration for the "Wagtail Art" name.

I studied Zoology at the University of London, giving me an in depth knowledge of a variety of animal anatomy, very useful when aiming to produce a life-like portrait.

I took a 3 year career break, to explore the canals of England and Wales in a narrowboat (accompanied by my Schipperke, Ben). This gave me the opportunity to practice my watercolour technique in some beautiful surroundings. I also taught myself the traditional 'Roses and Castles' style of painting found on the waterways. Some examples are to be found on my own boat, including the signwriting.