Ruth McGrady from Your Pet Portraits - Summer Q&A 2021

It's July the second summer month and this month has two main themes - are we going to have more freedom and what about all of that sport on offer?

Today we're discussing some of those things with Ruth McGrady of Your Pet Portraits who paints pet portraits from photographs, capturing the spirit and character of  furry friends. She is based in Calne, Wiltshire, and have been here almost 20 years. 

What are your plans for your business this month and next? 

I am expanding the choice of how your painting can look by adding a new style of painting which is very exciting and I am working on a collaboration with another business owner.

What are your personal plans for this month? 

I am going rock climbing with my son, who owns an outdoor adventure company, so I will be in safe hands. I have climbed in a climbing centre so going outdoors will be an adventure, especially as I’m not too keen on heights... breathe and overcome!

Yesterday was dubbed ‘freedom day’ what things will you be looking forward to in business and life that you’ve had to put on hold? 

Being able to have more than six people in one room, or in the garden so I can throw my friend a birthday party.

It’s also the month when the summer Olympics – Tokyo 2020 – begin. Do you have an Olympic thoughts you’d like to share? 

I remember sitting in a cafe in Tesco in Ulverston, Cumbria, and seeing some London Olympics volunteers coming in, you knew who they were because they have badges and t-shirts that gave it away. The smiles on their faces were huge and I thought how wonderful to be part of that and have a story to tell. That brought a smile to my face.

July is often associated with sport in the UK. How important is sport to you in your life or business? 

I enjoy walking a lot, it’s a good opportunity to embrace the countryside and meet people which is important to me, it recharges my batteries so to speak. I have had the good fortune to have completed two ultra marathons and one marathon and I am hoping to do another two in 2022.

On a much lighter note – Saturday was World Emoji Day and this often trends on social media. What do you think of emojis? Do you use them? 

I like emojis, why because an image can say more than words sometimes. I do use them mainly on celebratory response. I can’t think of a new one now but I’m sure one will come to me at 2 in the morning!!

Can you name one business you’d like to give a summer shout out too? Who has gone the extra mile for you recently? 

Charlotte and Jamie of See No Bounds are super supportive of me and many other businesses and they are true visionaries what they have in store for the future is amazing!

Have you got any events planned for the coming months which you’d like to mention? 

On Saturday the 21st August I have a Paint your Dog event. No artistic ability required and I guide you through the easy to follow process.

Have you got any services or special offers you’d like to mention? 

I have 10% off all pet portraits in July.

And finally:

Now we have some good weather and restrictions will be lifted soon,  go out with friends on a walk and have a picnic, buy local produce, and if you want to chill or be creative find a local workshop and support a local business.

For more information visit https://ruthmcgradypetartist.co.uk/