“Amazing”.

It’s the word consistently used to describe Sarah Hoar’s work.

She creates portraits from photos using charcoal.

Animals, particularly much-loved family pets, make up the bulk of commissions although Sarah also draws people.

The talented 30-year-old only started her business – Sarah Hoar Art – 18 months ago.

After being made redundant from her job as an administrator, she took up drawing, initially for relaxation during a particularly stressful time.

Sarah said: “After a bit of research online, I came across artists who were drawing portraits of people’s pets from photos.

“I decided to draw a portrait of a cat using charcoal and graphite pencils and posted it online to see if anyone would be interested in commissioning me to draw their pet.

“Within a week or so, someone contacted me to ask if I could draw their friend’s horse from a photo as a birthday gift.

“I said ‘yes’ and since then I’ve had bookings almost continuously from clients who have asked me to draw portraits of their dogs, cats, family members, etc.

“People ask me for portraits, both for themselves as a keepsake or as a special, unique and long-lasting gift to give loved ones.”

Portraits typically take around a week to complete.

Prices start from £160 for an unframed 6” x 8” portrait up to £385 for a mounted and framed 16” x 20” portrait.

Testimonials for Sarah’s work include:

• “The drawing is absolutely amazing and really captures Poppy’s character and her wise old ways!”
• “… Absolutely fantastic ..it’s Wilf….you have a great talent ..many thanks.”
• “The attention to detail throughout has been amazing and I would recommend her work to anyone.”
• “Sarah is a fantastic artist. She drew my two dogs and I was so pleased with the result.”

Sarah said that as a child she had loved art and enjoyed drawing in sketchbooks, using images from books and magazines as references.

However, her first love at school was ballet.

Sarah moved to London at the age of 16 to train as a ballet dancer.

Three years later she graduated with a BA (Hons) in Classical Ballet.

She subsequently toured around the UK and Ireland, performing in various ballets.

As a dancer with the Vienna Festival Ballet, Sarah took part in a production of The Sleeping Beauty at the Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne in 2013.

Sarah, who lives in Bournemouth, stopped dancing in 2014 and pursued various career paths.

Now, having hit on a winning formula with Sarah Hoar Art, she’s added private, personalised, online drawing tuition to her list of services.

They’re available for absolute beginners through to advanced with the first class free.

Limited spaces are available.

To book email [email protected]

Sarah said: “I really enjoy drawing and I like to be busy.

“The response has been lovely.

“I’ve drawn cats, dogs, a rescue bird and horses while portraits of people are becoming increasingly popular.

“It’s very satisfying and I’m pleased at how the business is growing.”

• sarahhoarart.com

• Sarah’s work can also be seen on Facebook and Instagram.