Joel Bolton has pursued 3 passions consistently and persistently since early childhood - Music, Art and Languages.

He throws himself fully into life as pianist, flautist, occasional trombonist, conductor, music teacher, artist (traditional and digital) and prolific learner of languages. In 2020 he created and launched an online Children’s Instrumental Music Competition called NOTE-ABLE in order to inspire children everywhere to take up a musical instrument. He also enjoys running and biking. In 2017 he received a QSO (Queens Service Order) for services to music.

Although art has often played a secondary role due to music and family commitments, it has maintained a constant presence in his life.

In 1993 he took a year off to study oil painting and portraiture. Some excellent teaching, combined with specialist workshops, sparked a love affair with the oil medium and he has spent many years honing his skills in this area.

In recent times coloured pencil has taken on a more important role. Not only is it less messy than oils but it also has a wonderful soft and fine quality ideally suited to the rendering of animal fur.

Joel started his part-time portrait business in 2017 concentrating primarily on coloured pencil portraits of pets. He has drawn and painted portraits for as long as he can remember, however, and has a special affinity for this genre. These days he accepts animal AND people portrait commissions in both coloured pencil and oil.

Joel Bolton has been a finalist three times in the Adam Portraiture Award and two times in the Impressions National Art Award.