Chris Hood British Artist - Cotswolds, UK.

Chris is a self-taught charcoal artist based in Gloucestershire, creating animal portraits that balance realism with atmosphere and character. Though he’s been drawing for as long as he can remember, he rediscovered his love of art by creating portraits as gifts for family before gradually developing his technique and taking on commissions more seriously. With a background in photography, Chris brings a strong understanding of light, composition and tone to his work, influenced by black and white imagery and traditional photographic techniques that lend his drawings a timeless quality.

Working exclusively in charcoal, Chris is drawn to the medium for its rich tonal range and matte finish, allowing him to create deep shadows, soft transitions and striking contrast. His subjects range from beloved pets to rural and working animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, sheep and local wildlife. Often mistaken for photographs at first glance, his drawings are known not only for their realism but for the personality and expression captured in each subject.

Chris begins each piece with a loose sketch before carefully building layers of tone and refining details. He works closely with clients to select the perfect reference images, enjoying the collaborative process and the challenge of translating light and shadow into black and white to create a meaningful, one-of-a-kind piece of art. Raised in the Cotswolds and surrounded by countryside walks, fields and wildlife, he draws constant inspiration from the animals and landscapes around him. He offers original artworks, commissions, fine art prints and greetings cards, designed to be treasured for years to come.