Kristy Macneillie

Born in South Africa, Kristy grew up surrounded by the wild exteriors of the Lowveld. This fostered a deep connection and passion for wildlife and nature conservation. Her love for all creatures is encapsulated in her original, realistic charcoal paintings.

She later went on to study Information Design, a four year degree at the University of Pretoria. It was during this degree that she discovered her talent for charcoal drawing. Now she is living in London and working across a wide range of projects that involve her art.

Kristy’s main focus now is pet portraiture commissions, however she does do a handful of wildlife pieces each year. The golden thread that is apparent in these wildlife works is one of conservation. Kristy loves her animals and so pet portraiture was a natural progression from her wildlife. In these works she captures the character of her clients beloved furry friends.

About the Medium - Charcoal

The application of the charcoal is a little different to most, Kristy shaves her charcoal blocks into a fine powder. From here she uses a dry brush with which she applies the fine powder onto the paper. Details are added with multiple charcoal pencils and the varying techniques.

Bachelor of Arts in Information Design - University of Pretoria