Her original crayon, pen and ink drawings of native breeds of farm animals are much in demand. The majority of the subject matter in the exhibition is sheep for which she is best known, but it will also include magnificent cattle, flashy cockerels, geese and well-mannered hounds. Two of her works can be found in the private collection of HRH The Prince of Wales. Prices range from £395 to £1,500.

Although Seren has an enduring love of the animal world, she is passionate about sheep, and her subject matter returns to sheep again and again. Living in Radnorshire, mid Wales, she is surrounded by sheep as they form so much part of the landscape. As a child she was brought up in a town but always visited the local market with her father.

“Although I do not keep sheep myself, I find their bony heads so beautiful,” said Bell. One of her favourite breeds of sheep is the speckled-face Beulah, “There is something so comforting about sheep — they are benign and gentle yet strong” she remarked, adding, “People are much more aware of the different breeds nowadays.” The biggest show of sheep in the world, the annual Royal Welsh Show, takes place just down the road from where Bell lives. “All the sheep are so beautifully presented, and it is lovely to be part of the atmosphere with all the Welsh farmers coming down from the hills to take part.”

Bell is equally attracted to the British White bull, with its moiled marking; and the glossy black tips on the hooves and horns of the Chartley White Park cattle, which lend themselves to her technique. The strutting cockerels preen like matinée idols, and the intelligent face of a hound is beautifully honed and recorded.

The complete exhibition can be viewed online at www.fossegallery.com from mid-May. Opening hours are Monday-Saturday, 10:30-5. An invitation-only preview is scheduled for Sunday, June 8, from 11-4.

#   #   #

ADDITIONAL IMAGES OF NOTE