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Hello, my name is Jewel Mathieson and I am a professional pet portrait artist from Nelson, New Zealand.
I have been passionate about art for as long as I can remember, with many of my childhood hours spent sketching, drawing and painting. Although I found inspiration in a variety of subjects, I predominantly drew wild animals and old antiquated architecture.
From a young age I dreamed of being a professional artist, and took every school subject possible to bring me closer to my dream. However, I soon found out that my realistic and finely detailed style of drawing was struggling in an art world that was in love with bright bold abstract styles. Not to mention that coloured pencils were still not being taken seriously at this time.
At the end of my college years, feeling a little deflated, I decided not to Study Fine Arts at University as I had previously planned and instead developed my own techniques, ideas, and personal artistic style.
Moving to Christchurch presented me with a whole new range of experiences and inspirations which heavily influenced the direction of my art. I found myself spending much of my spare time at a small farm just outside of Christchurch.
Spending hours in the company of dogs, cats and various other animals that inhabited the farm, surrounded by the simple beauty of the old sheds and farm equipment, I discovered a new love and passion.
I learnt to recognize the tiny subtleties in an animals’ behavior and the movements that can really express their individual personalities. You can see it in the way they look at you, the way they hold their ears depending on their mood or the way their foreheads can wrinkle ever so slightly when they are concentrating on something.
Now living back in Nelson again, my love and empathy for animals has led me along the path to realize my dream and become a professional pet portrait artist. I am passionate about capturing the individual characteristics of all of the animals I draw. Even now, you will still see my rural influences shining through in some of my work.
The two defining moments of my career so far would be the honor of seeing one of my portraits published in a book which is now being sold worldwide, and receiving the ‘Runner Up’ Award recently in the Arts Council Nelson Impressions Art Awards 2010. It means a lot to be formally recognized in the art world which now appreciates my choice of style and medium.
Feel free to contact me any time either by phoning me or sending me an email. I am always happy to receive comments and questions. I hope you enjoy your visit and come back again soon!
Achievements
My portrait of 'Roxy' was awarded the 'Runner Up' in the Arts Council NelsonImpressions Art Awards 2010!
It is currently being exhibited at The Refinery Gallery until 11th of September. The last day for voting for the 'Peoples Choice Award' is Thursday the 9th of September.
The 2010 Edition of "Paws For Charity" featuring my portrait of "Tilda & Allie" can be purchased from Blurb.
The Paws For Charity Art Book Project is a unique fundraiser that celebrates our love of pets, and raises funds for a human cause. The 2010 Art Book is a compilation of artwork and photography of dogs and cats submitted by 65 artists and photographers in 7 countries.
All funds raised from the sale of these books are donated to The Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade, a registered charity with programs in over 50 countries. This charity also carries the Humane Charity Seal of Approval.
August 2010
I entered my portrait of 'Roxy' into the annual Arts Council Nelson Impressions Art Awards and won the 'Runner Up' in the open painting section. 'Roxy' will be in the exhibition held at The Refinery Artspace from the 23rd of August to the 11th of September, then it will move to a small exhibition with the other winners at Impressions Richmond from the 13th to the 25th of September.
August 2010 Three of my paintings will be brightening up the walls of the Manukau After Hours Veterinary Clinic in Auckland, cheering up their late night customers.
August 2010 My portrait of 'Allie' is adorning the back cover of The Birman Mews, the official magazine of the Birman Cat Club of New Zealand.
July 2010 I donated my portrait of 'Moby' to the Dogue De Bordeaux Club of New Zealand. It will be raffled off and the proceeds will help the club to continue the great work they are doing by supporting Dogue owners and educating the public about this majestic breed.
June 2010 My portrait of 'Quest featured on the cover of the Northern Alaskan Malamute Magazine.
June 2010 My partner Wayne and I were invited to be the guest photographers for the Southland Sled Dog Club Sandy Point Scarper in Invercargill. It was a truely amazing experience and we met some lovely people and dogs.
August 2009 I entered two of my portraits, "Nika 4 Months" and "Nika By Door" into the annual Arts Council Nelson Impressions Regional Art Awards. Both drawings were shortlisted and featured in the exhibition held at The Refinery Artspace.
