About the Artist
Ian Waddington, known to friends as "Waddy," is a self-taught artist based in Preston, Lancashire. With a natural talent that spans multiple mediums, Ian creates striking original artwork that captures the essence of his subjects with remarkable depth and character.
Working primarily in acrylics, pastels, pastel pencils and pyrography (the art of burning designs into wood), Ian's portfolio is wonderfully diverse. From dramatic wildlife studies of leopards, lions and birds, to atmospheric seascapes with lifeboats battling stormy waters, each piece demonstrates a keen eye for detail and a bold approach to composition.
Ian has a particular gift for capturing the spirit of music legends — his portraits of icons like John Lennon, Bob Dylan and David Bowie are among his most admired works. His animal portraits, especially dogs and horses, showcase an ability to convey personality and warmth that resonates deeply with pet owners and animal lovers alike.
Mediums & Techniques
Acrylics
Vibrant paintings on canvas and board, from landscapes to bold portraits
Pastels & Pencils
Delicate, detailed work in pan pastels and pastel pencils
Pyrography
Intricate designs burned into wood, creating unique natural art pieces
Mixed Media
Combining techniques like modelling paste for added texture and depth
The Personal Touch
What sets Ian apart is not just his talent, but his genuine warmth and approachability. He loves nothing more than creating artwork that brings joy to people — whether it's a commissioned pet portrait that captures a beloved companion, a dramatic seascape for a living room wall, or a personalised pyrography piece.
When he's not creating art, you'll likely find Ian by the water with a fishing rod in hand. This love of the outdoors feeds directly into his work, with many of his landscape and nature pieces inspired by time spent in the Lancashire countryside and beyond.