About the Artist

Growing up in the Scottish borders

  Hazel Grew up in the in the beautiful country estate of Makerstoun just outside of Kelso in the Scottish Borders.  Living in such a rural location cemented her love of animals and developed her appreciation for the beauty of the surrounding landscape. 

 Having always loved art from an early age and taking a keen interest at school she then went on to attend Cumbria college of art and Design in Carlisle.  A Diploma in art and Design, starting with graphic design and then later into 3D design gave her a good background in all aspects of drawing, painting, crafts and design work.

Visual Merchandising

  After leaving college Hazel went on to work for a large multi national fashion company as a visual merchandiser, looking after window displays and the set out of stores in their carlisle stores.

  She then moved to Edinburgh with the same company and was in charge of visual merchandising for their flagship stores in Edinburgh.  A lot of her time was also spent organising and implementing store openings and refurbishments all over the UK and Overseas.

  Hazel then moved up to being a regional Visual Merchandiser for Ireland, Scotland and Northern England, being responsible for brand integrity, store design and layout, training and implementation of new ideas.  She also played a large part in the training of the international side of the business, setting up stores and presenting to large groups of foriegn partners.

Pastures new

  Hazel Left visual merchandising in 2007 to persue her long lived dream of producing and selling her own artwork.  She opened up an Art shop and gallery (Abbey Art) in the beautiful tourist town of Melrose just oposite the Abbey.  This change in direction has alowed her to concentrate on her artwork again.

  Hazel produces watercolour landscapes of her local area which she sells in her gallery.

  However, her real passion is for animals which comes through in her work.  She loves producing the pet commissions for adoring owners but also has a keen interest in wildlife which she loves to paint whenever she can.  Her main wildlife interest at the moment is in Big cats.  You can see some of her wildlife work on the website, but also in her Gallery in Melrose. 

She prefers to use pastel for the pet commissions as the medium is very effective for producing soft fur effects etc.  She also experiments with acrylics and oils for her non commission work.

 Hazel's portraits are in private collections throughout the uk and abroad.

 What better to be able to combine two passions in life- Art and Animals, perfect!

Contact

To Contact Hazel you can do so through this website via the order/enquiry form or by telephone, or if you're in the area why not come and see her in person-

  Hazel is based in her gallery in Melrose, so why not come in for a chat and see some of her work.

Abbey Art, Art shop & Gallery, Abbey Street, Melrose, TD6 9PZ. (see map on contact page)

01896 820 110

e.mail Hazelpets@aol.com