A teenage artist is becoming an internet sensation after a lifelike sketch of her dad’s two dogs went viral.

Talented Zoe Robinson made the drawing as a birthday present for dad Neil Robinson, earlier this year.

Neil, who is the proprietor of A.R. Insurance Services in Haltwhistle, was so impressed that he proudly posted an image of the sketch on social media.

Demand for Zoe’s services immediately grew and she now takes commissions for drawings of people and pets.

But the 18-year-old’s artistic abilities were no surprise to herself or her family, for drawing and painting has been part of her life since early childhood when she was taught by her grandma, retired former Allendale Middle School art teacher, Lorraine McMinn.

Zoe, who lives at Haltwhistle and attends Hexham’s Queen Elizabeth High School, said the sketch of her dad’s pet Labrador, Murphy, and whippet, Sparkie, remained a favourite.

“From when I was young, I learnt from my grandma how to get the angles and proportions right," she said.

“It’s something I’ve always done and I really enjoy it. I wasn’t sure what to get my dad for his birthday. He loved it and the interest in my work has grown since then.

“I have always aspired to make things look real.

“I do tend to specialise in people and animals, but I can draw other scenes.”

Zoe has been inspired by the work of Spanish artist Antonio López García, who is known for his realistic style.

She can work wonders with a full set of pencils and charcoal, and occasionally uses a dry paintbrush to create various effects.

The youngster has set up her own website – Zoe Robinson Portraits – and also has a presence on both Instagram and Facebook.

“I have some orders placed for Christmas gifts,” she said. “I draw from photos, and I’ve been taken aback by the level of interest.”

Many hours go into the painting of each person or animal – an average of 30 hours according to Zoe, who is combining her artwork with her studies in maths, chemistry and physics. The Year 13 student is aiming to go to university to study computational chemistry.

“I see myself working in chemistry and the sciences,” she added. “But I would like to keep this going. It’s a privilege to use a hobby as a student job. It’s something I enjoy and love doing.”

Visit zoerobinsonportraits.co.uk