DRAWN TO animals By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Gary Sissons
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rankston portrait artist, Lorna Wheele of Pop-Up Pawtraits captures the essence of her subjects in just ten minutes. Even more impressive, she does it in the vibrant atmosphere of an outdoor market. The clients who commission Lorna routinely comment on how accurately she conveys the unique personality of their dog, cat or the occasional chicken.
Lorna works from a photograph, often on a phone, focusing first and last on the windows to the soul. “Like people, I find the greatest connection through the eyes. Looking at an animal closely, I get to know who it is, not just its physical make up, but its character,” she says.
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26 | PENINSULA essence August 2026