Meet the Artist

Tracey Walder's artistic inspiration stems from her childhood spent on a farm in the Dorset Countryside. Her surroundings have provided her with a wealth of ideas that she has skilfully translated into her artwork. The result is a stunning body of work that reflects her deep connection to the natural world.

Tracey's traditional shepherd's hut is located in the picturesque village of Piddle Valley, nestled amongst charming thatched cottages and situated next to the tranquil River Piddle. Her pastel drawings truly capture the beauty of wildlife. Through her skilful use of pastels, Tracey is able to bring wonderful animals to life on paper. The soft lines and delicate colours she employs perfectly convey the elegance and charm of the animals. Tracey's passion for wildlife shines through in her artwork, allowing viewers to appreciate and marvel at the natural beauty that surrounds us.

“Growing up on a Dorset farm as a dairyman's daughter was a wonderful experience. I was fortunate to be surrounded by a plethora of animals, ranging from chickens, ducks, geese, cats, dogs, horses, birds, and various farm animals. The constant presence of these animals brought immense joy to my childhood. Interacting with the animals taught me valuable lessons about responsibility, compassion, and the importance of nurturing the natural world. It was truly a lovely and enriching experience. Loving all things rural has led me to want to draw what l am most familiar with. I love nothing better than seeing a fleeting wild fox or deer prancing through the fields and feel privileged to have experienced this on a daily basis."

Tracey's education in art and design provided her with a strong foundation in the creative field. Her studies in printing and qualifications in Lithography further expanded her skill set, allowing her to explore different techniques and mediums. With her knowledge and experience in printing, Tracey found a natural transition into the field of graphic design. Her understanding of different printing methods and processes gave her a unique perspective and edge when it came to designing for print. By combining her artistic background with her technical expertise, Tracey was able to excel in graphic design and create visually stunning and effective designs for various mediums.

“Living in a beautiful part of the UK offers me the opportunity to witness the splendour of nature first hand. From the picturesque landscapes to the diverse wildlife, I am truly fortunate to be surrounded by such natural beauty. Not only do I want to share the wonders of the UK's wildlife, but I also aim to showcase the incredible biodiversity found around the world. By sharing my experiences and knowledge, I hope to inspire others to appreciate and protect the natural world, both in the UK and beyond.”

Tracey's meticulous approach to drawing is evident in her process. She begins each drawing by focussing on her subject's eyes, as she believes they bring the entire piece to life. Once the eyes are captured in all their vibrancy and realism, Tracey then moves on to the rest of the drawing. Using pastels, she layers each pastel stroke to recreate the intricate details of fur and feathers, achieving a level of realism that is truly wonderful. Her dedication to capturing the essence of her subjects is what sets her artwork apart and has made her a success in her mission to craft their likeness. The attention to detail makes it almost feels as if the warm energy of her artwork is emanating from the page. The way the lines flow and the colours blend together create a sense of depth and realism that is truly captivating. Looking at her pieces, one cannot help but be drawn into the world she has created, and the desire to reach out and touch the page becomes almost irresistible.

“Drawing is the best way I know to show my love and respect for wildlife. I love the challenge of drawing realistically because I love the results when it has been accomplished. I also love drawing pet portraits and seeing families loved ones characters develop on the page as I work.”

Tracey's studio, a charming shepherds hut, not only provides a cozy and well-equipped space but also offers excellent natural light. It's light and airy with a traditional country feel - vintage farming tools on the walls and reclaimed furniture keep to Tracey’s roots of growing up on the farm. The abundance of natural light streaming into the studio creates an inviting and inspiring atmosphere for Tracey to work in. With such a perfect setting, it is no wonder that her creativity flourishes in this idyllic space.

I think that you can see that Tracey has loved every second of the art that she creates and has poured her heart into creating it with such care.

EDUCATION

1996 GCSE ART & DESIGN

1998 LITHOGRAPHIC PRINTING NVQ

1999 LITHOGRAPHIC PRINT MANAGEMENT NVQ

2007 DIPLOMA IN CHILDRENS ILLUSTRATION

AWARDS

2017 WINNER: DORSET COUNTY SHOW

2018 WINNER: DORSET COUNTY SHOW

2020 WINNER: DORSET COUNTY SHOW

2023 WINNER: PASTEL GUILD OF EUROPE

2023 FINALIST: ART UNLIMITED OPEN ART COMPETITION