The Story of Lucy Shapland Art
Jan 2024 Update.
What can I say? … Other than what a year !!
Not only for Lucy Shapland Art but also for the new Mr and Mrs Jones!
I am sailing into my 4th year since I launched Lucy Shapland Art in 2020 and thanks to you lovely, wonderful, magical lot I am still here. 2023 was a year of events, I think a total of 27 trading events! Whilst not forgetting working a new full time exciting promotion at work, sporting a broken collar bone in the Spring, Sam’s knee surgery in the Summer and THE event of 2023… The Jones’ Wedding in November!
If you speak to any trader, 2023 has been a difficult year. The cost-of-living crisis has had a direct impact on sales, and I completely understand my items are a luxury. So, it has been hard. I think often social media portrays a polished image of success, it’s not always and it’s made to look easy! Many a times this year, I have sat an event tired and just wanting to pack up my stuff and go home. Not every event is a success and that’s the trading life.
In the same breath, I have sold 4 originals this year ! Which is AMAZING. And my Etsy store is taking on a life of its own, shipping parcels and cards across the globe.
It is safe to say 2023 has been a mixture of highs and lows but with the tireless ever-loving support of my handsome husband (pretty sure I will never tire of saying that!) it’s been a joy to ride.
2024 will be a little different … I am aiming to make it my YEAR OF PAINTING… (I’ll meet you back here this time next year to find out if that actually happened!).
My focus for 2024 is shifting to attend more gallery/exhibition events and less trading events. Life seems to be zooming by and 2024 I want to prioritise my husband, our home and our spaniel, Minnie.
So, more than ever ... if you have brought something big or small, shared a social media post, attended an event … I send a huge heartfelt THANK YOU.
*Oh and despite my wonderful new name Mrs Lucy Jones (eek), my art business will remain Lucy Shapland Art. I mean it is on EVERYTHING… But my signature will change both on any Certificate of Authenticity for 2024 prints and on any new paintings!*
…
I am a self-taught artist who lives in Dorset, with my husband Sam and our nutter of a cocker spaniel, Minnie.
My passion for art and animals goes back as long as I can remember. I studied Animal Science and became a Zoo Keeper at Longleat Safari Park. In 2014, due to a change in my career I suddenly had all the time in the world to combine my love for art with my love for animals. Through the incredible support and encouragement of family and friends, I have completed regular commissions and artworks since.
From 2014-2017 I solely worked with acrylics; however, in 2017, I was commissioned by my mother to complete a tigress in watercolour (which is still available as a greeting card!). Without a clue what I was doing, I stumbled into the world of watercolour and loved it. Mothers know best, eh!
In Feb 2018 one of my watercolour pieces of an adorable white rhino ‘Contemplation’ was selected and exhibited in the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year 2018 competition. I was beside myself with excitement as my artwork was exhibited and sold in The Mall Gallery in London. Mind blown. That was it, I realised I am an artist.
In Oct 2019, I realised what I really wanted in life was to paint more and work a full-time job less. So with the help with some amazing people (who know who they are!) I launched Lucy Shapland Art in June 2020.
I have completed regular trade events since and have started just now to grow this into a potential side business that can one day become full time.
Want to learn more about my recent achievements just click here. Or just want to go straight to shopping (I don't blame you!) just click here. Obviously don’t forget to just check out the Gallery of recent and previous artworks!
Thanks for stopping by! Lucy :)