We have been farming with Highland Cattle for 32 years. They are wonderful cattle to work with - lovely temperament, very hardy with a thick winter coat, great mothers and long lived. And of course, very picturesque, which is why I enjoy painting and drawing them so much.  Its great having the stars of the paintings just outside the back door!  We do become very attached to our cattle and I am sure you can understand why.

I work mostly with quality artists' acrylic on canvas, sometimes in soft pastels on textured paper, or with water colour or oils. Many of my canvasses are quite large with 4cm deep edges, and the painting continues over the sides. So it means you can hang the painting instantly on the wall without having to think about framing and the extra cost. However, you can still frame your picture if you prefer.

I started painting very seriously a few years ago, and have been delighted with the response - with art work going to buyers throughout the UK, Europe and beyond and have exhibited in Germany on several occasions. Hilary Barker