Hello, my name is Jewel Mathieson and I'm a self-taught artist who specializes in very finely detailed portraits of animals using a medium which is still relatively uncommon, coloured pencils.

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, mostly wolves, and old antiquated architecture. Since starting my own pet portrait business in 2010, my artworks can be found all over New Zealand and around the world.

I'm inspired by the unique personality and character that animals show through their body language and facial expressions. I have spent many hours learning to recognize these subtleties and love capturing these precious moments in my drawings. I want the owners to look at my portraits and really recognize 'their' pet looking back at them.

Moving to Christchurch as teenager 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. Even now, you will still see my rural influences shining through in some of my work.

You will also notice that Sled Dogs and Spitz type breeds appear frequently in my work. A chance encounter with a lovely lady and owner of nine Huskies opened the door to a whole new direction and influence for my art. I am now associated with several clubs all over the country and in June 2010 I was invited to Southland to photograph the racing and meet many of the dogs that I had previously drawn.

The two defining moments of my career so far would be the honor of seeing one of my portraits published in the book "Paws for Charity" which is now being sold worldwide, and receiving the 'Runner Up' Award in the Arts Council Nelson Impressions Art Awards 2010. It means a lot to have my coloured pencils artworks formally recognized in the art world.

Through my art I am able to help support a number of little-known dog clubs, rescues and charities that make a big difference in our community. This will always be an important part of my business as many people underestimate the difference that these groups can make.

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!

December 2011

My portrait of "Chase" featured on the cover of the December issue of Labradors New Zealand Magazine.

I donated my portrait of "Sprockett" along with a parcel of goodies to Adoptadog Hawkes Bay. They will all be raffled to raise funds for the continued rescue and rehoming of pound dogs.

November 2011

My drawings "Old Hop Kiln Detail" and "Sparrow On Post" can now be found at the Kimbell Garage Gallery in Kimbell, New Zealand.

My portrait of "Philly" received the most votes on the Coloured Pencil Artists Facebook Group and I received the honour of being the featured artist for the month of November.

August 2011

My drawing of 'Old Hop Kiln Detail' was shortlisted in The Arts Council Nelson Art Awards and will be on display at The Refinery Artspace until the 3rd of September. Voting for the People's Choice Awards is still open until the end of August.

I donated a pet portrait voucher and a selection of fridge magnets to the Dogue de Bordeaux Club and Rescue to help raise money at the Auckland Pet Expo. The voucher will be raffled and magnets sold with all proceeds going to the club and rescue.

July 2011

I have developed an In-Depth drawing kit using my portrait of Kodiak the Siberian Husky which is now available for sale from annkulberg.com. See how I create my portraits in 32 full colour steps, all with very detailed explanations.

The July issue of Colored Pencil Magazine features my step-by-step tutorial of Prince the Siberian Husky.

I donated a pet portrait voucher and a selection of fridge magnets to the Dogue de Bordeaux Club and Rescue to help raise money at the Hamilton Pet Expo. The voucher will be raffled and magnets sold with all proceeds going to the club and rescue.

May 2011

I donated my portrait of 'Kedar' the German Shepherd to the Auckland SPCA. It will be auctioned off to help raise money for their ongoing support of unwanted and mistreated animals in the Auckland region.

April 2011

The book "Love From Me" featuring my portrait of 'Nugget' can now be purchased from Blurb. It includes inspirational images donated by 61 artists and photographers from many countries. All funds raised from this project are donated to The Rose Fund, c/o the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, Canada. This is a registered charity to help cancer patients who are facing financial difficulty as a result of dealing with their cancer treatments.

March 2011

My drawing of 'Old Hop Kiln Detail (print)' is part of the "Artists In Action" exhibition held at The Suter Art Gallery from the 22nd March - 8th April. The exhibition will finish with an auction with all proceeds being donated to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.

"Whiskers and Paws" - my first solo exhibition is held at The Hospice Gallery from the 1st - 31st March.

The Nelson Mail Newspaper features an article about me and my exhibition on Wednesday the 9th march.

My portrait of 'Oscar' the Fox Terrier is featured in the March issue of the American Colored Pencil Magazine. Click here to preview tha magazine.

February 2011

I auctioned my portrait of 'Abby' the Labrador Retriever and donated all of the proceeds to The Nelson Ark, who are a no-kill animal rescue shelter and community centre. At risk youths and older people are brought together with the animals to help, support and rehabilitate each other. To learn more about The Nelson Ark click here.

January 2011

I gifted a portrait to the owner of Atlas, the Dogue de Bordeaux that was tragically killed in Tauranga in December 2010.

October 2010

"All Creatures Great and Small" - my very first exhibition is held at The Refinery Gallery from the 12th - 24th October during The Nelson Arts Festival. My exhibition is shared with another local artist, Kathleen Matheson.

The Nelson Mail Newspaper features an article about me and my art exhibition on Wednesday the 13th October.

The Wild Tomato Magazine features me and all of the other winners of The Arts Council Nelson Impressions Art Awards in the October edition of their popular magazine.

September 2010

My portrait of 'Roxy' will be held in a small exhibition with the other winners of the Arts Council Nelson Impressions Art Awards at Impressions Store in Richmond, Nelson, from the 13th to the 25th of September.

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.

The Nelson Mail Newspaper featured an article and photos of all of the winning entries from the Art Awards, including my portrait of Roxy on Wednesday the 25th October.

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.

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.

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.

April 2010

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.

Artworks from the book, including my portrait of "Tilda & Allie", were also turned into a calendar for 2011.

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.