Are you ready to create art that you’re proud to share? Then you are in the right place.
In the Whiskers to Wildlife Academy, I help beginners build their confidence and skills so they can draw stunning, realistic animals using pastel pencils and more.
With step-by-step guidance, in-depth tutorials, and personalised feedback, you'll gain the solid foundations you need to bring your artwork to life. Whether you’re holding a pencil for the very first time or already exploring your artistic journey, there’s a place for you here.
Join our supportive, encouraging community where you can grow at your own pace and celebrate your progress.
I can’t wait to welcome you inside! 🐾
Hi, I’m Linda, originally from Scotland but now living in Australia, I’m a 50-something mother of 2 who only discovered my passion for art later in life.
Many people believe they can't draw, I know, I was one of them, but I'm here to tell you that you absolutely can.
I understand how daunting it can feel to start something new, especially if you’ve never picked up a pencil before & that’s why I'm here. I want to help you step confidently into the world of drawing with pastels & graphite.
Through kindness, patience & plenty of support I will provide you with the techniques to create beautiful pet & wildlife portraits.
If you’ve ever dreamed of drawing beautiful animal portraits but felt unsure where to start, you’re not alone, and that’s exactly why the Whiskers to Wildlife Academy was created.
This is a place where absolute beginners are warmly welcomed, where every step of your journey is met with encouragement, and where you’ll discover that you really can create art you’re proud of.
No experience? No problem. I'm here to guide you, support you, and celebrate your progress every step of the way.
I'll guide you through the basics, ensuring you feel confident in your abilities. My beginner-friendly approach demystifies the process, making it accessible and enjoyable.
Learn the secrets to drawing realistic fur, feathers, and textures with pastels. From blending to layering, my tutorials break down complex techniques into simple, manageable steps.
Whether it's drawing your pets, stunning wildlife or just exploring your creative side, I'm here to support you. My success path is designed to help you reach your artistic goals, providing you with a roadmap for growth and achievement.
Transform your love for animals into beautiful portraits that you can proudly display or even sell. My tutorials range from adorable pets to majestic wildlife, catering to all interests and skill levels.
"I was so pleased when I found Linda and the Whiskers to Wildlife Academy. I had been dabbling with pastels but wanted to improve but I didn't have the confidence. Linda changed all that. Her kind approach and wealth of knowledge has enabled me to embrace and start to believe in myself as a Pastel Artist.
The time spent with Linda is so relaxing and therapeutic."
Lesley
"I began my journey with Linda last year. For me , I’ve gained much more confidence in drawing animals. I look forward to every single month to see what’s next. You can even add your suggestions and the next thing you know, there it is. I find I have much more control using pastel pencils & Linda is always there for support even with what I call stupid questions."
Donelle
"I really enjoy being part of the community and learning so much from Lindas' tutorials. I have found something within me I’m good at and it has given me so much confidence as a beginner that I entered my first art exhibition. This has really helped me and I’m happy again. Linda's tutorials are easy to follow and she takes the time to explain everything."
Pauline
"I recently joined the Whiskers to Wildlife Academy & I'm so impressed by how clearly and thoroughly Linda explains everything while drawing. Her First Steps Course is a great help when you are new to pastel pencils, but also when you have some experience it's helpful. There is already a wide range of different tutorials to choose from and I look forward to every month for the new challenges."
Ria
" Linda is such a brilliant teacher. She explains everything in an understandable way and is extremely patient. The Whiskers To Wildlife Community is so encouraging and supportive but the most important fact of all is the fun we all have with art. The tutorials are great to watch and follow along with. Linda never rushes and it is all done in a relaxing manner which is so enjoyable and after all that is what we are all here for, to enjoy our own art journey."
Lorraine
" Lindas' Academy is friendly and very educational. I’m happy I enrolled!."
Bob
Here's what your membership to the Whiskers to Wildlife Academy gives you.
First Steps Course: As a member you’ll gain exclusive access to my transformative course, First Steps which is designed to build your confidence and skills. This course will guide you through the essentials, teaching you the techniques and materials you need to create realistic artwork with ease. Once you’ve mastered the basics, we will then focus on drawing stunning animal features like eyes, noses, and fur with incredible detail. This course is perfect for absolute beginners and will set you up for success on your pastel pencil journey.
New Monthly Tutorials: Every month you'll receive at least two brand-new tutorials, one in pastels and one in graphite. These lessons vary from detailed, full portraits to shorter sessions focused on specific areas like animal eyes, fur textures, or smaller subjects. Occasionally, we'll even explore something fresh and different, like flowers or backgrounds. These step-by-step tutorials will cover everything from basic techniques to advanced methods. Every tutorial is designed to be easy to follow & is recorded in real time, nothing is sped up or skipped, so you see every step from start to finish & because they are on demand you can progress at your own pace.
Access to all of my Previous Tutorials & Any Live Sessions: As a member, you’ll automatically get access to all of my previous tutorials, plus any free live sessions I offer outside of the Academy. With a fantastic search function within our platform everything is easy to find so you can choose your next project with ease.
Members Only 'Drawing Room' Sessions : From time to time throughout the year, we get together for our members only live Drawing Room Sessions. These are where we meet online and draw together. There’s no set schedule or commitment, these happen when they happen. These sessions are perfect for asking questions & getting real-time help & depending on the subjects we draw, the time taken to complete them will vary. With members from around the globe I am very aware of our time differences so if you can't attend these live sessions, don't worry, all of them will be recorded for you so you can watch them at a time that suits you.
A Supportive Community: When you join our vibrant community of passionate artists your questions are always welcome! Whether you're seeking advice on techniques, struggling with a specific project, or looking for feedback on your latest drawing, we are always there to help. Together, we celebrate growth, learning, and creativity in a positive and encouraging environment. The friendships and connections you'll make here are sure to inspire and motivate you on your artistic journey.
A: No. My tutorials are designed for absolute beginners, so you can start with no drawing experience at all.
A: You’ll just need a basic set of pastel pencils or graphite pencils, good quality paper, and an eraser. I include a full material list with every tutorial.
A: All of the tutorials are self-paced, so you can fit them around your lifestyle. You choose when and how often you draw, making it easy to learn at a pace that suits you.
A: Yes. You can cancel your membership at anytime, and you’ll keep access until the end of your current billing period.
Thank you so much for your interest in the Whiskers to Wildlife Academy —it truly means the world to me!
I cannot wait for you to join us and see what wonderful drawings you'll create.
⚠️ As long as you remain a member of the Academy in good standing your membership fee will never increase!
Our beautiful babies
"My idea of Heaven is to wake up, have a good breakfast, and spend the rest of the day drawing." Peter Falk