Pia Elliot drawing in Dorset gallery

Hi, I’m Pia, an animal lover and pen and ink artist based in beautiful Wareham, Dorset. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been captivated by the quiet charm of the natural world, particularly drawn to animals and their wonderfully expressive personalities. From the flicker of an eye or tilt of a head, it’s the tiny details that bring wildlife to life. Throughout these works, I aim to capture encounters in ink, creating connections that invite viewers to appreciate nature’s delicate intricacies. This is a little window into my story, what inspires me and the joy I find in drawing…

Background and Artistic Journey

Pia with her Mum and Dad at graduation/ Pia's Final Major Project

I’ve been creative for as long as I can remember, experimenting with most mediums throughout my school years. Art was a favourite subject and I was lucky enough to have a particularly wonderful art teacher. Teaching me from ages 11 to 17, she had a huge impact on my artistic journey, encouraging me to take part in extra curricular artistic awards and introducing me to a vast variety of techniques and mediums. I have a lot to thank her for.

I was around sixteen when I discovered pen and ink. The medium’s ability to capture intricate detail immediately resonated with me. My self taught style emerged from doodling throughout school years, where I unconsciously developed a love for pattern and precision. When I came across mandalas, I was captivated by their structured expressiveness and the calm focus they brought to my process. Animals have also always fascinated me, with their distinct personalities never failing to inspire. For a time, I explored them through watercolour, but once I began working with pattern, I was compelled to merge the two. What began as experiments, grew into something much deeper and those early sketches unknowingly laid the foundation for my artistic journey.

I continued to develop this pen and ink style alongside achieving several academic milestones. In 2019, I completed a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, followed by a First-Class BA (Hons) in Textile Design (2023), at Arts University Bournemouth. I specialised in surface design for interiors, with these experiences playing a significant role in shaping my artistic practice, helping build confidence and learn how to present work professionally. After graduating and securing a role in this field, I quickly realised that the work, while creative, didn’t truly reflect my passions. The creative outcomes felt disconnected from what inspired me most. Following redundancy, I made the decision to pursue pen and ink part-time, a leap that allowed me to reconnect with the authentic artistic voice.

Since then, I’ve taken part in a number of solo and group exhibitions, showcasing works in galleries and shows across Dorset and beyond. I’ve been involved in exciting projects such as ‘The Great Tail Trail’ in support of Julia’s House and have completed numerous private commissions. Working part time gives me the space to approach art with renewed energy and most importantly, the joy I find in creating has never faded.

Inspiration and Process

Work in progress illustrations by Pia Elliot

My creative process begins in nature, gathering inspiration by observing and photographing wildlife, both locally in Dorset and while travelling. Initial sketches and notes help capture authentic character, which I refine back in my studio. This immersive process encourages a deep connection with the subject, allowing space for interpretation as I build intricate layers of texture and form. 

I start the works with a pencil outline, referring to photos to ensure accurate form. Directional lines inform placement of pattern whilst complimenting the shape of the subject. Once finalised, I start working with pen, exploring the most expressive areas first (eyes, ears, nose, mouth and eyebrows) before experimenting with larger areas of the body. While drawing I use a ‘pattern bank’ selecting and placing patterns as I see fit. The featured patterns are developed from shapes and textures found in natural foraged objects, with a fascination for mandalas providing the foundations for these explorations. 

I would describe these works as intricate, textural and expressive. This characterful collection invites viewers to experience a similar sense of curiosity, wonder, and connection with the natural world.

Career highlights

The Giraffe pen and ink artwork by Pia Elliot

Signature Piece- The Giraffe

Inspired by a memorable trip to South Africa where I experienced close encounters with giraffe, ‘The Giraffe’ holds a special place in my portfolio. Capturing the distinct personalities I observed, it reflects the emotional connection I felt during those moments. As a personal favourite in my collection, this piece reflects my maturity of technique and stands as a testament to the refined direction the practice has taken in recent years.

Solo Exhibition- Intricate Wilderness

A debut solo exhibition, ‘Intricate Wilderness', held at the Grange Gallery in Wareham, marked a significant point in my professional journey. The show was a huge success, offering a comprehensive showcase of work and drawing a positive public response. It solidified a presence within the regional art scene and lay the groundworks for future solo shows.

Pia Elliot and her hand painted tail sculpture for The Great Tail Trail in Dorset

Creative Collaboration- The Great Tail Trail, Julia’s House Children’s Hospice

As part of the public sculpture trail ‘The Great Tail Trail’, in support of Julia’s House Children’s Hospice, I was invited to contribute a large scale sculpture titled ‘Mystic Tide’. Translating my intricate pen and ink style into painted form on a three dimensional canvas was an exciting challenge and a natural extension of my creative language. The piece received positive engagement from the public and I look forward to seeing the impact it has at auction in support of such a vital cause.

Whats next?

Looking ahead, I’m excited to keep pushing creative boundaries and exploring new directions. 

I'm beginning to plan another solo exhibition, with a potential focus around celebrating the richness and complexity of British wildlife. This body of work will explore a wide variety of native animals, with some potentially new additions to include plants and insects. I hope to highlight each subjects vital role within their own ecosystem, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the natural world on our doorstep.

Another area I’m keen to experiment with is landscape illustration, capturing the natural environments that surround me and inspire so much of my work. I’m particularly interested in how this connection can be expressed through pattern and am looking forward to dedicating some time to experimenting with this. Field trips and nature observation will play a key role in the development of these ideas.

I’m also eager to explore opportunities for collaboration with British conservation charities, with the aim of supporting their vital work. Given the focus on UK wildlife and the growing urgency of issues related to biodiversity loss and climate change, this feels like a meaningful and natural progression.

Giraffe illustration from 2017/ Giraffe illustration from 2025

More fun facts about me!

If you've made it this far, thank you for reading! Here’s some more facts about me…

  • My favourite animal is a giraffe…no surprise there, especially after my time in South Africa.
  • I’m happiest when surrounded by animals and nature…they’re a constant source of inspiration and I find myself most content at these times.
  • I love travelling, especially when it involves seeing wildlife.
  • I have guinea pigs who are great studio companions.
  • My studio is organised chaos… it’s all part of the ‘creative process'!