- By Stuart Maisner
- BBC News, South East
A pet-portrait artist has raised greater than £300,000 for charity along with his self-confessed “garbage” photos.
Phil Heckels, from Worthing, West Sussex, started working underneath the alias Hercule Van Wolfwinkle in 2020.
Such is the success of his paintings, Mr Heckels has given up his job in industrial property and is now a full-time artist and fundraiser.
He mentioned he now will get “instructed off by my supporters for calling my work garbage”.
Mr Heckels has had two books of his pet portraits printed, and has received an award from the prime minster for his fundraising.
in 2020 he drew his canine and put it on Facebook, providing paid-for commissions as a joke, however real requests flooded in.
His trademark wonky legs and crooked eyes have proved actually widespread with pet homeowners.
All of the pet portraits he attracts are free and uploaded to his social media pages in return for a donation to one among his two chosen charities: Turning Tides, a homelessness charity, and StreetVet.
Mr Heckels now has 270,000 followers on Facebook.
He mentioned: “It acquired to the purpose the place I used to be working 18-hour days with my full-time job and artwork tasks.
“Despite an enormous drop in family revenue one thing needed to give.
“I do it as a result of I understand how a lot help I get. None of this was deliberate. And I understand how way more I’ve to do.”
Mr Heckels now generates an revenue by promoting artworks which aren’t pet portraits, and merchandise in addition to public talking.
Animal lover and TV presenter, Paul O’Grady, who died in March, was a fan of Mr Heckels’ work in addition to being an envoy for StreetVet.
Mr Heckels mentioned: “He beloved the portrait I did of his dogs. He framed it and put it in his hallway.”
So what are his aspirations for the longer term?
“I wish to strive every little thing I can to maintain the undertaking going so long as individuals help it.
“I really like doing it. I really like the neighborhood of people that comply with what I do and help it.
“And I really like inspiring others and supporting the charities I assist.”
In May Mr Heckels raised £10,000 by embarking on a marathon from Brighton to Worthing and again, stopping each mile to attract a pet portrait.
Ruth Poyner, from Turning Tides, mentioned: “We proceed to be blown away by Hercule’s fundraising efforts.
“His infinite creativity and one-of-a-kind witticisms have ensured his followers proceed to be uniquely amused every day.
“Our gratitude is immeasurable.”