My name is Denise Pentecost and I'm an artist based in Brackley, Northamptonshire. I'd like to tell you why I do what I do.

I set up 'Life on the Wall' to capture memories on canvas. We all have hundreds, if not thousands of digital photos of people, pets and places. I'm a great believer in doing something meaningful with those shots, so whether you just want to enjoy a particular picture each day, or perhaps remember someone who's sadly passed, it's really special to have a treasured painting created from a favourite picture.

The first time I did this was for my friend Leila, whose dog I painted. I borrowed a photo of Lottie who I sketched, painted and framed for safekeeping until Leila’s next birthday. She loved the painting so much that she cried. That's when I discovered the strangely uplifting feeling that comes when someone is touched by something so deeply that they well up. With the all too early passing of Leila, it dawned on me that life is no practice-run and if you want to do it, just do it! So, whilst I’m not decorated with accolades from a renowned art college, I simply hope that my work inspires you to commission a special painting of your own, or to enquire about giving a very special gift that’ll be treasured for many years to come. Surprisingly perhaps, I don’t have any pets of my own. I have had cats all my life but find the inevitable and eventual loss pretty hard to bear. So I am now the proverbial ‘crazy cat lady’ who, given half the chance, happily looks after her neighbours’ cats instead!

All of my art is derived from digital photos, where I can zoom right in and see every minute detail and really capture the likeness well. For portraits, I don't like to paint too small as I really enjoy honing in on the eyes to achieve that all-important likeness. So I generally offer three sizes starting at a minimum of 12x12", as detailed in my price list.

I love to use pastels or oil paints for most of my portraits. Typically, when I see the photo I’m commissioned to paint, I know what direction it’ll take in terms of which medium will best lend itself to the overall feel of the picture. I spend many hours on a portrait and I don't stop until I've achieved the likeness. A unique painting is such a great gift that always brings tears of joy to start with, and gradually becomes a very comforting 'part of the furniture' at home. I aim to produce stunning, high-quality, one-off pieces which have a deep personal meaning.

I hope my portfolio inspires you to get in touch about a picture painted uniquely for you. Or, why not ask me about a gift voucher for someone special. Thank you for visiting and I hope to be working with you soon!

Denise