Reach Us At

Join our VIP e-mail list to receive the latest specials and news from Shop Local Delmarva.

Contact Us

Connect

Get to Know Artist Sara England

Oct 20, 2021

Are you a dog lover, visiting Rehoboth?

Then you might want to look up a special artist who not only shares your love of dogs but captures their likeness and character in unique portraits of your beloved pet. Her name is Sara England, owner of Sara England Designs whose workshop houses her vibrant and lively artwork. Combining her love for dogs and art, each portrait portrays a dog’s tale (pun intended). When she isn’t pouring her love into her art, Sara enjoys spending time with her husband and their beloved rescue pit bull, Chance. She wouldn’t have it any other way. “I live a very busy life between family, friends and dogs. We traveled the country selling my products at dog shows and art festivals but have decided to settle down in a fun resort town. We chose Rehoboth Beach to be our new home. The shop keeps me busy, and I am living what I love.”

How did you get started as an artist and what inspired you to primarily focus on dogs?

"My mom was an artist and as her children were growing up she always inspired them to be creative in different types of art whether it was pottery, painting or sketching. Some kids played sports, but it was art that came naturally to me. Also, I have always had a love for animals, especially dogs and cats. I’m allergic to cats so I started painting dogs and my passion for both art and dogs created a perfect marriage for my work. This has allowed me to really connect with my customers and the stories of how much they adore their pets. It allows me to capture that love in each portrait."

How would you describe your artistic style?

"It’s whimsical but not in a cartoon-like sense. I draw the true essence of each animal and put them in whimsical settings. My art includes over 200 breeds of dogs and some cats. I capture their likeness in a realistic and clean graphic style. No matter the portrait, it is always portrayed in a fun setting such as dogs eating crabs with Old Bay or dogs with wine glasses, affectionately titled “Dogs Wining”.

What do you think makes a great dog portrait?

"The eyes. You have to capture the eyes. The soul of the dog is in the eyes. If I don’t capture the look in the dog’s eyes correctly, it’s not a good portrait."

Do you have a favorite breed that you like to paint?

"I love them all and I enjoy drawing all of them. I have a thing about capturing each smile and that sparkle in their eyes. With that being said, I am partial to my dog, Chance, but I always say that as long as their tail wags, they are my favorites."

How long do portraits typically take?

"It can vary a lot. I accumulate orders and prioritize as much as possible. If a customer needs it in time for a birthday or a gift, I try my best to meet that timeline. I do like to have people be aware that I book quickly and sometimes it can be a month to four months wait, but I certainly do what I can to accommodate a customer’s needs."

Do you offer custom creations?

"Many dog owners want a portrait of their dog so they can look at it and say “There’s my dog! There’s the dog I love like crazy.” All of my pieces are heartfelt, but I will take one of two different directions with customers when it comes to customization. Someone can bring their pet into my shop and have me photograph them or they can send me one of their favorite photos and I can use it to draw their pet in a whimsical scene. A lot of people have that one “moment in time” photo that they have captured, such as a dog looking at their family or two cattle dogs staring at each other. My goal is to turn that photograph into a beautiful portrait."

Where can our readers find your work and get in touch with you?

"They can come right into my shop in Rehoboth Beach where dogs are welcome. They can also view my websites for artwork which can be purchased and shipped across the nation and now even internationally." Visit www.saraenglanddesigns.com and www.therufflife.shop.