Showing early promise as an artist Lizzie developed her natural talent at Cape Town University where she read fine art, and later at the Byam Shaw in London. She has held several exhibitions and her interpretation of racehorses at speed is attracting a growing following.

"I have experimented with several styles over the years but early on realised that I wanted to develop the potential that oils and a palette knife can express. I worked with pen and ink for a while and after a phase with acrylics went back to the palette knife which I feel gives marvellous texture, an impression of movement in horses and an added dimension to landscapes.”

As an occasional relaxation I started to paint my friends' and clients’ pet animals in watercolour and pastel in a more traditional style. These commissions are often given as birthday or anniversary presents for those of a certain age."

She can be contacted most easily by email and to paint your best friend, lapdog or hunter, she will need a small selection of high-resolution pictures sent as attachments to an email or on a disc to lizzie.shutt@gmail.com

Commissions start at £300 for a single portrait and she would be happy to discuss your expectations.