About Cumbrian Artist – David Pooley

My name is David Pooley and I’m lucky enough to live and work here in Cumbria as an artist. I create a wide range of work using various media, including pencil, charcoal, pen & ink, pastel and acrylics. I’ve lived in Cumbria nearly all my life and I’m always inspired by the spectacular landscapes and diverse wildlife on my doorstep.

I’ve always enjoyed drawing from a young age and my greatest influence was my Grandad. Because we lived far apart he would send regular letters to my Mum and would always include a little note to me with a drawing or funny cartoon and I would quite often send one back. He was a good artist himself but only did it as a hobby and was a builder by trade.

My creative path began when I joined a local printing firm at 16, training as a graphic designer. Then back in 2010 I started working for myself as a freelance designer and artist. Starting with dog portraits and selling work in a local gallery, I’ve gradually built up a network of galleries and shops throughout Cumbria and beyond that stock my work as well as selling online through my website.

I’m at a stage now that I’m a full time artist and no longer do graphic design or commissions and only concentrate fully on my own work.

My working method is usually to produce a detailed under drawing which I then either paint over in colour or use thin washes of black. As well as paint I’ll use pastels, charcoal and graphite to build up the final picture – I guess you’d class it as mixed media. I’m completely self-taught so it’s been a lot of trial and error but I must be doing something right!

My most popular work is of the local Herdwick sheep – the Guardian of the Fells. They are the native breed of the Lake District and play a really important role in the Lakeland landscape as we know it today. They are extremely hardy and are free to roam on the common land of the high Lakeland fells where there are no walls or fences. With their smiling faces and inquisitive nature I always try to capture the character of a Herdy in my work.

In addition to my original artwork, I’ve recently launched Herdwick Publishing, a venture dedicated to offering my greeting cards to trade customers. Also a new retail website, The Cumbrian Way, which offers a wide range of products featuring my work.

New work is always in the pipeline and you can follow me on Facebook and Instagram for my latest updates.

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