Words and photo by Tristan Ovington.

All artists take different journeys on their way to turning their hobby into a living.
For 43-year-old Lucia Lovatt, owner of Paintings by Lucia, it all happened in 2019.
“Although I had planned to give up my day job and devote my full attention to selling my paintings, it was a lockdown
that gave me the opportunity to do so,” she explains.
“I taught myself online marketing and was able to promote my paintings, commission services and make enough money to avoid returning to my previous job.
“I want to show the wonder and beauty of animals through my simple, colourful paintings, and celebrate those who love these animals.
“I sell original artwork, as well as art prints, with the aim of bringing joy into people’s homes.
“I take commissions to paint pets, among other things, honouring these loved animals and celebrating the love their family has for them.
“People love the simple colourful character studies I do and feel a connection with them. I have lots of people get in touch to tell me how some of my paintings/prints make them feel, or remind them of a story from their past.”

Lucia has received many positive reviews. The most frequent compliment she gets is that she is able to capture the character of an animal or beloved pet, especially through the eyes.
One of Lucia’s previous customers, Laura L said: “She has made me smile again with the beautiful life-like painting of our gorgeous Jasmine, whom we lost in July last year.” Reviews like these reveal just how much of an impact Lucia’s paintings have on those who commission them.

For aspiring artists who want to make a living from their work, Lucia advises people to “be prepared to put in the hours and learn lots of new things every day. Every day is a school day for me. Always be honest and open about your business practices.”

Lucia is currently running a free print promotion, to show off her artwork. There are four prints available in this offer – cow, goat, sheet and pig. If you’d like to take advantage, you can do so on this link:
www.artprintsbylucia.com