Buckinghamshire artist turns personal tragedy into first book celebrating the art of drawing animals

Buckinghamshire artist Becky Gouverneur's first book shares 12 years of professional experience, while a special exhibition celebrates the artwork behind it.

A professional animal artist whose career was shaped by personal tragedy is preparing to launch her first book, Drawing Animals in Charcoal, with a special exhibition of her work at Obsidian Gallery in Swanbourne this December.

Becky Gouverneur, who also works under the name BexArts, has spent the past 12 years developing her distinctive approach to realistic animal portraiture. Her new 175-page book, published by Search Press on 12 January 2027, shares the techniques she has refined throughout her career, helping artists of all abilities develop the skills to create expressive, realistic animal drawings.

For Becky, the journey to becoming a full-time artist was not straightforward. She had dreamed of becoming a professional artist since childhood, spending hours drawing horses in her bedroom, but followed a more conventional career path, studying textiles and fashion design before working as a photographer, a police officer and, eventually, an art teacher.

In 2015, while seven months pregnant with her second child, Becky experienced a devastating turning point when her parents were involved in a serious road accident in Scotland. Her father, who suffered severe burns, died three days later. Her mother survived but continues to experience post-traumatic stress following the accident.

Becky took early maternity leave and found herself supporting her mother through the aftermath, arranging her father's funeral and affairs while preparing for the arrival of her baby. When it became clear that a part-time teaching position would not be available, she made the decision to pursue art professionally.

Drawing became more than a lifelong passion. It offered a way to cope with the mental strain of an extraordinarily difficult period.

During her maternity leave, Becky began taking on charcoal portrait commissions for friends and family. She shared the finished drawings on social media, and the response was immediate. Requests grew into a full-time business, with a waiting list that reached three years at its peak during the Covid pandemic.

Today, commissions remain at the heart of her business. She particularly values creating portraits for people who have lost beloved pets, helping them celebrate and remember the animals that have been part of their lives.

Alongside her commission work, Becky teaches artists across the country, gives demonstrations, exhibits her work and contributes to art publications. She writes a monthly advice column for Artists & Illustrators magazine and teaches and writes for the Society for All Artists (SAA). Her achievements include being shortlisted for Wildlife Artist of the Year 2024, exhibiting and selling work at London's Mall Galleries, and being runner-up in the People's Choice Award for the SAA Artist of the Year 2023.

Two years ago, Search Press approached Becky about writing a book on her work and techniques. Although people had suggested she write a book for years, she admits she initially wondered whether anyone would want to buy it.

The project grew into a substantial 175-page guide designed to bridge the gap between books for complete beginners and those aimed at highly experienced artists.

“I wrote the book I wish I'd had when I started 12 years ago,” says Becky. “I wanted something that would help me move my work on from where it was, without being a total beginners' guide. I hope people can pick it up, work through the exercises and create something they didn't expect to be able to do.”

Becky's teaching background has strongly influenced the book's accessible, structured approach. It explores how charcoal powder, pencils and a range of tools can be used to build depth, contrast, texture and expression, from delicate fur to the deep blacks that make charcoal such a striking medium.

The book is also dedicated to her father, Brian Randall, who was himself an accomplished artist and technical illustrator. Inside the front cover is a photograph of his mechanical pencil, which Becky still uses to sign all her original artwork, alongside a saying she remembers him repeating: “What man has done, man can do.”

“My biggest regret is that my dad never got to see where I am now and what I've achieved,” says Becky. “I know he would have been proud, but probably not surprised.”

The publication marks an important milestone for an artist who once believed that a professional career in art was an unrealistic ambition. Despite the growing opportunities that have come with the book, Becky remains firmly rooted in the practice that started it all.

“Drawing is still the thing I'd rather do than anything else in the world. I love it passionately, not just for the outcome but for the process and the peace of mind it gives me. It's what keeps me sane.”

Becky will celebrate the book with a private-view event and soft launch on Friday 4 December 2026 at Obsidian Gallery, Brises Farmhouse, 41 Nearton End, Swanbourne, Buckinghamshire, MK17 0SL. The accompanying solo exhibition will be open to the public from Saturday 5 December to Sunday 13 December 2026, on Saturdays, Sundays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 10am to 4pm. The gallery will be closed Monday to Wednesday.

The exhibition will feature work created for the book, giving visitors the opportunity to see the original charcoal drawings and the level of detail behind the techniques explored in its pages.

Further book events are planned for 2027, including a signing and demonstration at Waterstones Piccadilly in London, an event at Coates Charcoal in Somerset, and a talk and demonstration at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre.

Drawing Animals in Charcoal: Create realistic animal portraits with depth, expression and texture will be published by Search Press on 12 January 2027, with availability through major booksellers in the UK, USA and internationally.