Hannah Berrisford

Hannah Berrisford Bio

Website: www.hannahberrisford.art

After graduating Falmouth University with a BA (Hons) Degree in Drawing, Hannah begin her life as an artist, specialising in watercolour and accepting her first pet portrait commissions. She founded her online Etsy store and soon became a full-time freelance creative with her own independent small business. Within a few years, she moved into Exeter city centre to work from a private studio, where her practice continued to evolve.

Animals have always been at the forefront of her artistic expression, so when in 2025 she made the decision to pursue oil painting, it was natural that animals continued to be her primary focus.

“(Pet portraiture) is a very important part of my work as an artist, as animals have always help a special place in my life. They are companions that offer unconditional love, and the conversations I have with their owners are very precious.”

She would describe her oil painting style as “impressionistic realism” - she focuses on value and form rather than fine detail, and enjoys working with deliberate, economical mark-making, and a non-literal, slightly expressive approach to colour. She is currently employing the “alla prima” technique where a painting is started and completed in one sitting, or before the paint can fully dry. This helps her avoid getting lost in too much detail, and helps her balance likeness with expressive, visible brushstrokes.