My name is Alida de Graaf, and I live in the Netherlands, near the beautiful Lauwersmeer National Park. My love for animals and nature inspired me to start drawing realistic animal portraits a few years ago.

My very first pastel drawing was a portrait of my own golden retriever, Bente. That portrait, which is very special to me, marked the beginning of a passion that has since become an important part of my life.

With great attention to detail, I capture the appearance and character of each animal. Whether it’s a dog, cat, horse, bird, or wild animal, every portrait is created with care and love. My goal is not only to create a lifelike drawing, but also to convey the animal’s unique personality.

I hope that my work reflects my love for animals and the beauty of nature, and that my drawings serve as a lasting, cherished memory for the people who receive them.