(b. 1973, UK)

Alison Friend is a British artist known for her whimsical, anthropomorphic animal portraits. A graduate of Nottingham Trent University with a degree in Fine Art and Printmaking, she holds the distinction of being the first female stonemason for the City of Nottingham. As an accomplished children’s book illustrator, Alison has illustrated over twenty books to date for notable publishers, including Harper Collins, Nosy Crow, Hodder Children’s, Templar, Usbourne, Little Tiger Press, Alfred Knopf, and most recently, Artisan.  

Friend’s oil paintings combine the timeless techniques of the Old Masters with a playful contemporary twist, capturing the human-like antics of cats and dogs. Her distinctive style has garnered widespread acclaim, leading to exhibitions across the United Kingdom, Los Angeles, New York, and Miami, with exhibits at the British Art Fair, Context, Manchester Art Fair, Royal Watercolour Society, and Outsider Art Fair.  

Alison lives in the Lake District with her son, where she continues to create whimsical yet masterfully crafted works that captivate collectors worldwide.