Heather Butler

Heather relishes the pared-down nature of monochromatic images, which has led to graphite pencil being her chosen medium. She is an award winning portrait artist, specialising mostly in detailed drawings of animals - both wildlife and pets.

She first discovered her interest in portraiture as a teenager, and went on to study Fine Art at Aberystwyth University, from 1998-2001, focussing on printmaking (mainly etching) and drawing. Those three years allowed her the time to explore her drawing skills and develop her techniques in depth.

In 2002, Heather settled in Machynlleth and began taking pet portrait commissions. She had about 10 years away from drawing, to raise her 2 children (one of whom has additional needs, due to a rare genetic condition). Only within the last few years has she been able to return to art. She is excited to be once more accepting commissions, exhibiting captivatingly detailed portraits of wildlife, and relishing having the time to draw once again.

Heather has always had an affinity with animals, a concern for their habitats and the increasingly degraded environment. Animal and human faces are endlessly captivating and intriguing to her. Capturing the nuances which make a face particular to an individual, and seeing their character through it, is what she loves.

In both 2023 and 2024, Heather won the Ailsa Owen Award for her entries in the MOMA Machynlleth Tabernacle Art Competition. She also gained Highly Commended for 2 drawings in the 2024 SAA Artist of the Year Competition, as well a Special Merit Award for a drawing of her daughter in the Portraits competition in Art and Color 365.

Cheetah 'Judged' Original A4 graphite pencil drawing has been donated to Sketch for Survival. The original is available for £150 at 'Explorers Against Extinction - Real World Store' - click on the link for more details.

Contact Heather

Limited Edition Giclee Prints Available of:
Hare 'Alert' 11"x14"
Fox 'Intent' 12"x12"
Wren 'Feisty' 6"x6"
Duckling 'Dabble' A4
Screech Owl 'Mesmereye!' 10"x12"
Leopard 'Allure' 11"x14"
Tabby Cat 'Gazing' 10"x12"
Harvest Mouse 'Harvest' 10"x12"

Greetings Cards Available of:
Hare 'Alert'
Harvest Mouse 2
Red Kite
Fox 'Intent'
Duckling 'Dabble'
Screech Owl 'Mesmereye!
Red Squirrel 'Nibble'
Leopard 'Allure'
Long-tailed Tit 2
Horse 'Cocoa'
Tabby Cat 'Languid'