Being called a ‘talented artist’ by many wonderful people has encouraged me to pursue my art with confidence. Thank you for every kind word and bit of support – it truly means a lot.
The joy of painting animals and capturing their emotions, as if they’re speaking to me, is what fuels my passion.
About the Artist, Charles Hooren
Emerging animal portrait artist focusing on horses and British wildlife, I now work in acrylic with a five‑colour palette to create realistic‑style animal portraits set against contemporary or abstract backgrounds.
My inspiration comes from nature and the emotional connection we feel when an animal meets our eyes – a moment of calm, curiosity or quiet storytelling.
Art has always been a meaningful way for me to communicate, and rediscovering painting has allowed me to bring that connection into my work.
Each piece is created with care, patience, and a genuine desire to capture not just the likeness of an animal, but the feeling of being in their presence.
My Journey
I originally trained with a BA (Hons) Degree in Graphic Design & Communication and spent over twenty years working as a self‑taught web designer and on various graphic design projects. Although I enjoyed the creative problem‑solving of design, I didn’t have many opportunities during that time to create my own artwork.
In early 2023, a generous gift of art materials from a friend’s mother encouraged me to pick up a paintbrush again. That small moment changed the direction of my life, helping me rediscover my passion for painting.
I also live with hidden disabilities, including two types of aphasia diagnosed when I was very young. These affect my speech and my ability to understand spoken language, and they’ve shaped the way I navigate the world. Using art as a platform for communication has allowed me to express my thoughts and emotions naturally without relying on words.
Returning to painting has allowed me to bring together everything I’ve learned – from design, from life, and from living with disabilities – into a creative practice that feels both grounding and fulfilling.
Interested in My Art?
Animals make our lives more interesting… and allow an artist like myself to do some portrait paintings of them! Interested in having an art piece of your beloved animal?
Explore my unique creations inspired by the beauty of animals.
Each portrait celebrates the individuality and character of animals, with a particular focus on British wildlife and equine subjects. Drawn to moments of expression and presence, I aim to capture more than appearance, inviting a connection between viewer and subject.
From native wild species to horses, this collection offers a calm space to pause and appreciate their beauty.