Hello and thank you for visiting my website.

I am Elizabeth Kay, a self-taught portrait artist with a passion for capturing not only a likeness, but the character and individuality behind it.

 

My journey as a professional artist began 2017, initially alongside my work as a musician and running a small business. I've have always been fascinated by faces - the unique features, expressions, personal style and subtle details that make each person instantly recognisable - so portraiture felt like a natural direction for my work. 

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I began working primarily in graphite, developing a highly detailed, realistic style with a strong emphasis on achieving an accurate likeness. Over the years, and following many hundreds of hours of study and practice, my work has expanded to include both pastel and oil painting, while retaining the same meticulous attention to detail that has always been at the heart of my portraits.

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Since beginning my career, I have had the privilege of creating commissioned portraits for clients around the world.

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In 2020, I became a full-time artist and relocated from the UK to the Netherlands, where I now work from my home studio, creating individually commissioned portraits in graphite, pastel and oil.

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In September 2023, following my experience of using my artwork to raise funds for a local rabbit rescue centre, I founded Blackberry's Friends - a separate side of my art dedicated to supporting animal rescue centres and sanctuaries. Through Blackberry's Friends, proceeds from the sale of my animal artwork are shared with the organisations I support, allowing my art to contribute in a small but meaningful way to the animals in their care. To discover more about Blackberry's Friends, the rescue centres I work with and the stories behind the animals I paint, please visit