Hello, and welcome!
Sophie Graves (AKA Lovely Little Artist) is a multidisciplinary, travelling artist.
​
Originally hailing from the UK, Sophie grew up in the British countryside, before then moving to London after graduating from Norwich University of the Arts in 2012. There she resided until late 2017 before making the life altering decision to pack up her life into a single suitcase and one small backpack and hop on a plane (or two) all the way down under. Sophie settled on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland Australia in 2018, establishing herself as an independent animator and artist, creating individual portraits of the locals' beloved animal companions. Initially specialising in charcoal portraits, Sophie later began to experiment with chalk pastels and watercolour. A lover of variety, she follows wherever inspiration decides to lead her regardless of medium or subject, including watercolour, pastels, acrylic paint, modelling clay, and even foam latex and other model making materials (thanks to her father, a recently retired prototype model maker). Growing up in the countryside surrounded by all sorts of animals, they became Sophie's first muses and this is why animals still feature so prominently in her work today.
​
The Sunshine Coast served as Sophie's home for over 7 years, and then in May 2025 she packed up her life again and hit the road, driving solo around half(ish) of Australia from Adelaide, across, down and up to Perth, all the way up to Exmouth, across to Broome and Darwin, and then straight down the very centre of Australia to Alice Springs. A once in a lifetime experience that filled her with inspiration, replenishing her creative stores now ready to be explored.
​​
Leaving Australia in July 2025, she has now transitioned to a more nomadic lifestyle, a travelling creator. Currently based in New Zealand until the end of 2025, and then? Stay tuned!
​​​
Sophie takes inspiration from the world around her and her own lived experience. From the cheeky smile of a playful pup, to the eroded lines on a rock, to even more abstract experiences during meditative states, she absorbs it all and shares it outward through whichever medium she feels fits best. Sophie aspires to create pieces which trigger joy, fun, adventure and intrigue in the viewer. Her portraits encapsulate the life and personality of the subject so they may live forever in the hearts of the receiver.
​
Painting and drawing are not the only creative outlets through which Sophie expresses her self and ideas. A professional animator and creative director she established her own animation company in 2017 called Lovely Little Animations. Music was her very first love as she began taking piano lessons at the age of 6, completing her grade 6 practical exam. She continues to play the piano, along with other instruments as opportunities arise.
​​
Sophie continues to broaden her knowledge and skills in both the creative arts and beyond, now holding a BA HONS in Animation, Diploma of Graphic Design, Diploma of Project Management, and a Diploma of Arts Therapy.
