Ashley Saunders: The Artist Behind Britain's Most Characterful Animal Paintings

Some artists paint animals.

Others paint personalities.

Ashley Saunders belongs firmly in the second category.

Best known for wonderfully expressive Highland cows, mischievous hares, curious foxes and cheeky little hedgehogs, Ashley has a rare gift for capturing the character of every creature on the canvas. Each painting has a twinkle in its eye. Look at an Ashley Saunders piece for a moment and you'll often find yourself smiling back at it, which is exactly what she intends.

For many collectors, the appeal begins with those famous Highland cows, with their shaggy fringes, soulful eyes and gloriously unruly coats. Yet to describe Ashley Saunders simply as "the Highland cow artist" is to overlook the delightful range of her work. From moongazing hares and foxes set against glowing golden moons to busy bees, waddling ducks, wise robins and a red squirrel with a nut to crack, the portfolio is a joyful celebration of British farmyard and countryside life.

At The Artists Quarter, Ashley's artwork sits perfectly with everything we believe art should be.

As a small, family-run gallery, we've always felt that contemporary art doesn't have to feel serious, intimidating or exclusive. It can make people laugh, start conversations and become part of everyday family life. Ashley's paintings do exactly that.

That's why we're delighted to offer a wide and growing selection of Ashley Saunders artwork, from bold statement pieces with hand-finished textured surfaces to charming little framed prints that make the perfect gift.

Whether you're discovering Ashley Saunders for the very first time or adding another characterful face to your walls, this guide explores the artist behind the paintings, what makes the work so distinctive, and why collectors keep coming back for more.

Who Is Ashley Saunders?

Ashley Saunders is a self-taught British artist, originally from St Albans and now based in the Suffolk countryside, close to Bury St Edmunds. Her paintings celebrate the quirky charm and character of farmyard and country animals, with a light-hearted, expressive style that is instantly recognisable.

A love of the outdoors and the creatures that live there has always driven her art. That passion was strengthened by time she spent working at an animal sanctuary in the Lake District, an experience that left a lasting impression. Caring for animals day to day gave her a deeper understanding of their individual personalities, and it's that understanding which shines through in every painting.

Today, Suffolk's sweeping fields, woodlands and wildlife provide daily inspiration, while the Lake District still holds a special place in her heart. Regular family visits to the Lakes, together with memories of sanctuary life, continue to shape a style that is joyful and rooted in a genuine compassion for animals.

Ashley works with a mixture of acrylic paints and pastels. In her own words:

"By using a mixture of acrylic paints and pastels, I try to capture the soul and character of all the animals I paint and give each of them their own individual, quirky personality. I like to keep my art work light and fun in the hope that it can spark a smile."

That simple aim, to spark a smile, sums up the appeal perfectly. Her original paintings are exhibited at galleries including The Hunter Gallery in Bury St Edmunds, and her artwork can be found in galleries and stores right across the UK.

It is this combination of loose, energetic brushwork, warm colour and real affection for the subject that has made Ashley Saunders one of the most loved animal artists in contemporary British art.

Above: One of Ashley Saunders' wonderfully characterful Highland cows, Highland Moo, showcasing the expressive brushwork, warm colour and big personality that collectors love.

Why Collectors Love Ashley Saunders

Ashley Saunders' artwork has a wonderful knack of making a room feel happier. Whether hung in a modern townhouse, a traditional family home or a cosy country cottage, the paintings bring warmth, colour and a sense of fun without ever feeling childish or overwhelming.

One of the reasons collectors return to Ashley's work time and again is that every animal feels like an individual. A Highland cow isn't just a Highland cow; it's a slightly nosey one, a sleepy one, or one that looks as though it knows exactly what you had for breakfast. That sense of personality turns a picture into a character in your home, and it's something our customers mention again and again.

The finishes are another big part of the appeal. Many of Ashley's larger pieces, such as Grazing, Mini Moo and Watchers Of The Wild, are hand finished using a textured gel, giving the surface a lovely painterly, hand-painted quality that catches the light. Others, including the smaller framed prints, are glazed for a clean, polished finish. Frames range from soft cream and taupe through to grey, oak style and black, so there is a look to suit almost any interior.

Collectors often choose Ashley Saunders artwork for kitchens, children's bedrooms and family spaces, because the playful subjects and gentle humour are so easy to live with. At the same time, the bolder pieces, such as the striking blue and gold moongazing designs, look equally at home in living rooms, hallways and dining rooms, which makes the work remarkably versatile.

Ashley's artwork also makes a fabulous gift. Animal lovers, country lovers and anyone with a soft spot for a Highland cow tend to fall for it instantly, and the smaller framed pieces are perfect for birthdays, housewarmings and Christmas.

At The Artists Quarter, we have seen first-hand how customers often start with one Ashley Saunders piece and quickly find themselves looking for a companion. Many of the designs are created as partner prints, so it's very easy to see how a single painting becomes a pair, and a pair becomes a whole wall of happy faces.

More Than Highland Cows: The Wonderful Range of Ashley Saunders' Art

Although Ashley Saunders' Highland cows have become a signature, they are just one part of a wonderfully varied menagerie. Over the years she has explored a whole cast of farmyard and woodland characters, allowing collectors to find artwork that suits every taste, every room and every budget.

The Highland cows remain hugely popular, of course. Pieces such as Highland Moo, Lavender With Flowers, Dairy Queen and Where Love Grows Wild show just how much warmth and character she can find in a shaggy fringe and a pair of big, soulful eyes. In Where Love Grows Wild, two Highland cows are surrounded by wildflowers, tiny hearts and lively bees, in soft blush, cream and earthy tones.

Hares are another firm favourite. From the bold Moongazing Hare, set before a luminous textured golden moon, to the oversized ears and bright eyes of Wild at Heart and the playful pairing of Hippity and Hoppity, Ashley's hares are full of energy and charm.

Foxes bring a wonderful splash of fiery colour to the collection. Moongazing Fox and A Majestic Fox combine rich orange fur with deep blue and gold for a dramatic, contemporary look, while Chasing Butterflies captures a fox in a moment of pure playfulness.

Then there are the smaller characters, and this is where her sense of fun really shines. Mr Prickles is a hedgehog with an impressively unruly coat of spines, The Nutcracker is a lively red squirrel full of mischief, and Harvest Hustler is a tiny harvest mouse clinging to golden wheat stems. Add Three Wise Robins, Waddle Squad, Three Hens and This Little Piggy, and you have an entire countryside of characters to choose from.

One of the reasons we love Ashley's work at The Artists Quarter is that it never feels repetitive. Every piece is unmistakably Ashley Saunders, yet each new release brings a fresh face, a new colour palette or a different bit of fun. That continual variety is one of the reasons collectors keep coming back to see what's new.

Whether you're searching for a statement Highland cow, an elegant moongazing hare, a cheeky hedgehog or a little robin for a gallery wall, Ashley Saunders' artwork offers a range of characters that few contemporary artists can match.

Above: Moongazing Hare is a wonderful example of Ashley Saunders' bolder contemporary style, with loose expressive marks, warm natural colour and a richly textured golden moon against a deep blue background.

Why Ashley Saunders Feels So at Home at The Artists Quarter

The Artists Quarter is a small, family-run gallery, and we've always chosen artists whose work we genuinely love and would happily hang in our own home.

Ashley Saunders fits that philosophy perfectly.

Ashley's stated aim is to keep the art light and fun in the hope that it can spark a smile, and that is exactly what we want the artwork we share to do. A cheeky hedgehog or a Highland cow with a wild fringe has a way of getting people talking, whether it's about a favourite holiday in the Highlands or the hedgehog that visits the garden every evening.

We also love that there is real feeling behind the fun. Ashley's time caring for animals at a sanctuary in the Lake District shines through in the way she paints every creature, with warmth, respect and a genuine understanding of its personality. These aren't cartoons; they are affectionate portraits of animals with souls.

Over time we have continued to expand our Ashley Saunders collection, bringing in new releases alongside established favourites. Today, collectors can explore everything from large, hand-finished statement pieces to small framed prints at very approachable prices, all in one place.

One of the greatest pleasures of offering Ashley's work has been watching customers come back to add another character to the family. A Highland cow in the kitchen often leads to a hare in the hallway, and before long there's a robin, a hedgehog or a fox keeping them company.

For us, Ashley Saunders is one of the most joyful voices in British animal art, and we're proud to keep introducing that work to new collectors every day.

Above: Where Love Grows Wild brings together so much of what we love about Ashley Saunders: two affectionate Highland cows, a meadow of wildflowers, tiny hearts and busy little bees. Presented in a soft cream frame, it's a warm, joyful piece that feels at home in almost any room.

Choosing the Perfect Ashley Saunders Artwork

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Choosing an Ashley Saunders painting is a wonderfully personal experience. Some people fall for a particular animal, others for a colour palette or a frame finish. One of the great strengths of Ashley's work is its versatility, so whether you're looking for a statement piece or a small finishing touch, there's something to suit almost every room in the home.

For Living Rooms

Living rooms are the perfect place for Ashley's larger statement pieces. Hand-finished works such as Highland Moo, Lavender With Flowers or Hare And Hare Alike create a natural focal point and bring warmth, colour and conversation into the space.

For Kitchens and Dining Rooms

Farmyard favourites really come into their own in kitchens and dining spaces. Three Hens, Gill And Gerry, Wake Up Call and This Little Piggy bring a cheerful country feel that makes everyday meals that little bit brighter.

For Children's Rooms

Ashley's gentle humour and friendly characters make her work a lovely choice for children's bedrooms and playrooms. Little hedgehogs, robins and bees are always popular, and because the paintings are full of genuine character, they remain stylish enough to stay on the wall as children grow.

For Hallways and Smaller Spaces

Tall, narrow designs like Wild at Heart, Hippity and Hoppity are ideal for hallways, landings and those awkward spaces between doors and windows, while the compact 25 × 25 cm framed pieces, such as Henry Hedgehog Small and Nosey Bee Small, are perfect for shelves, cloakrooms and gallery walls.

Building a Collection

Many of our customers begin with a single Ashley Saunders piece and gradually add more over time. Because so many designs are created as partner prints, such as Hippity and Hoppity, or Busy Bees and Hard At Work, it's easy to build a collection that grows naturally and works beautifully together throughout the home.

Above: Hippity is a perfect example of how well Ashley Saunders' work pairs together. Hung alongside its partner print, Hoppity, the two tall taupe-framed hares, hand finished using textured gel, make a striking pair for a hallway or either side of a fireplace.

Five Delightful Details You Might Miss in an Ashley Saunders Painting

One of the greatest pleasures of owning an Ashley Saunders painting is noticing the little touches that make each piece so full of life. At first glance you'll see a bold, characterful animal. Look a little closer, however, and you'll start to spot the details that have become Ashley's trademarks.

Here are just a few of our favourites to look out for.

Busy Little Bees

Bees pop up all over Ashley's work. Sometimes they are the stars, as in Busy Bees and Hard At Work; sometimes they are simply hovering nearby, catching the attention of a nosey Highland cow in Nosey Bee Small or a curious fox in Let's Bee Friends Small. Once you start looking for them, you'll find them everywhere.

Those Expressive Eyes

Ashley has a wonderful way with eyes. Whether it's the soulful gaze of Dairy Queen or the bright, alert look of Wild at Heart, the eyes are where so much of each animal's personality lives, and they're often what makes people fall in love with a painting.

Glowing Golden Moons

In the moongazing designs, her foxes and hares sit before beautifully textured golden moons against deep blue backgrounds. The contrast between the warm fur, navy blue and gold is striking, and the textured surface catches the light differently throughout the day.

Tiny Hearts and Wildflowers

Look carefully at pieces such as Where Love Grows Wild and you'll discover tiny hearts tucked among the wildflowers, while little daisies peep out from the grasses around Henry Hedgehog Small. These gentle touches add an extra layer of warmth and affection to each scene.

The Wonderful Sense of Humour

Perhaps our favourite thing about Ashley Saunders' work is the gentle humour, and it starts with the titles. Hedgehugs, Waddle Squad, Mask Of Mischief, Dairy Queen and The Nutcracker all raise a smile before you've even seen the painting. Add a hedgehog with spines going in every direction and a harvest mouse hanging on for dear life, and it's easy to see why people never tire of looking at them.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is Ashley Saunders?

Ashley Saunders is a self-taught British artist, originally from St Albans and now based in the Suffolk countryside, best known for expressive, light-hearted paintings of farmyard and country animals. Working with a mixture of acrylic paints and pastels, she aims to capture the soul and character of every animal, giving each its own individual, quirky personality. Highland cows, hares, foxes, hedgehogs and garden birds all feature in a body of work that has become loved by collectors across the UK.

• Why does Ashley Saunders paint Highland cows?

Highland cows have become one of Ashley Saunders' most recognisable subjects because they suit her style so perfectly. Their shaggy coats, wild fringes and soulful eyes are ideal for her loose, energetic brushwork and love of personality. Inspired by the countryside of Suffolk and the Lake District, and by time spent caring for animals at a sanctuary, she paints them not simply as cattle but as characters, each with its own expression and charm.

• What does "hand finished using textured gel" mean?

Many of Ashley Saunders' larger pieces are hand finished using a textured gel. This textured coating is applied by hand during production to create a realistic, hand-painted appearance, giving the artwork depth and a wonderful tactile quality. Many of these pieces are presented without glass, so you can enjoy the texture without any reflections. Other designs are glazed for a clean, polished finish and added protection. Each product page on our website tells you which finish a particular piece has.

• Is Ashley Saunders artwork suitable for children's rooms?

Absolutely. Ashley Saunders' friendly characters and gentle humour make her work a popular choice for children's bedrooms, nurseries and playrooms. Little hedgehogs, robins, bees and hares create a warm, cheerful atmosphere, while the genuine artistry behind each painting means it remains sophisticated enough to stay on the wall for many years as children grow.

• Which Ashley Saunders paintings are the most popular?

Ashley Saunders collectors are wonderfully loyal, and every new face seems to find a fan.

Among the much-loved designs in our collection are the Highland cow favourites Highland Moo, Lavender With Flowers and Where Love Grows Wild, together with the hare pair Hippity and Hoppity, the fox and hare partners Chasing Butterflies and Pink Lady, and charming smaller pieces such as Hedgehugs and Highland Huddle.

Newer releases, including Moongazing Hare, Moongazing Fox, Mr Prickles and The Nutcracker, show Ashley continuing to introduce wonderful new characters to the collection.

One of the things we love most about Ashley Saunders' work is that every collector eventually develops a favourite. Some are drawn to the Highland cows, others fall for the moongazing hares and foxes, and some simply can't resist a hedgehog. That variety is one of the reasons the artwork appeals to first-time buyers and long-standing collectors alike.

• What frame styles are available?

Ashley Saunders' artwork is available in a range of professionally finished frame styles, each chosen to complement the painting. Larger pieces are offered in soft cream, taupe, grey and black frames, while many of the smaller designs come in natural oak-style or grey wood-effect frames, some with a crisp white mount. Every piece in our collection comes framed, and each product page lists the frame colour and finished size so you can choose the perfect fit for your space.

• Where can I buy Ashley Saunders artwork?

The Artists Quarter is proud to offer a wide and growing selection of Ashley Saunders artwork. From large hand-finished statement pieces to small framed prints that make perfect gifts, our collection reflects the full, joyful range of Ashley's characters. Whether you're looking for a Highland cow, a moongazing hare, a cheeky hedgehog or a little robin, there's an Ashley Saunders piece for every home.

Ready to meet Ashley Saunders' latest characters? Browse our complete range of framed artwork, partner prints and collector favourites here.