Crappy Pet Portraits For Charity Is The Funny, Wholesome Feels We Need Right Now

Phil Heckels may not be the typical artist we're used to gushing over but this dad from Worthing in England has caught our eye (and possibly our hearts.)

Elana

• Published in Animals
• November 11, 2020

Around here there are few things we love as much as animals, especially family pets and feel good rescue stories. We also have quite the affinity for art.

Why wouldn't we absolutely adore when those two interests collide? Of course we do.

Whether it's famed photographers doing series on how much you look like your dogs (or your cats,) or incredible paintings from children for pet adoption, we really dig the creative side of the pet community.

Phil Heckels may not be the typical artist we're used to gushing over but this dad from Worthing in England has caught our eye (and possibly our hearts.)

1. Like many artists online, Heckels has an alias. His artist persona is Hercule Van Wolfwinkle.

2. At 38-years old, this dad has openly admitted quite a few times that up until recently he had not really drawn a day in his life.

3. So, how did he come to be an artist who raised 13.6k pounds (nearly 18k dollars) for a homeless charity?

4. When he first shared his art with the world, he said:

"It's all happened so organically without much thought or effort. A little over two weeks ago, I was making some "thank you" cards with my six-year-old. Whilst he was making his card, I just doodled a couple of pictures of our dog—they were really rubbish, I’m not an artist and have never really drawn in my life."

5. After uploading the silly doodles to Facebook, Hercule was shocked to get the response from his friends and family on Facebook that he did.

6. That is, his social circle thought his doodles were totally brilliant! Requests for pet portaits of their own rolled in quickly.

7. Completely overwhelmed by the unexpected popularity, Hercule gushed:

"The requests for portraits have gone through the roof. I have no way of counting the messages in my Facebook inbox, but I think there must be approximately 2,000, maybe more."

8. Surprised, Hercule added:

"I have had to slow down the output a little over these couple of days due to all of the media commitments taking up time, but hopefully, people will bear with me..."

9. Soon, he hopes to get back on track making anywhere from 3 to 5 "crappy" pet portraits per day.

10. Hercule's charity of choice is a local to him homeless organization called Turning Tides.

11. In a statement to the media, Ruth Poyner, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Turning Tides said:

"We, at Turning Tides, are absolutely thrilled by the amazing talent, energy, and enthusiasm Phil (aka Hercule Van Wolfwinkle) has poured into his Pet Portraits. Phil and all his avid supporters have not only raised a staggering £10,000+ in just a month, in support of our charity; he has also increased awareness of the rising numbers of homeless men and women in our community."

12. With the added complications of COVID, Poyner added:

"We are facing an unprecedented need for our services in West Sussex and are greatly concerned as we enter the winter months, how the ongoing pandemic will have an impact on the hundreds of men and women we already support but also those who will inevitably become homeless and need our support as the economic consequences of Covid take effect."

13. She also reflected on the artist as a person, saying:

"Phil is exceptionally self-effacing but he has really brought a smile to so many at such a difficult time. Additionally, to know the donations from his much beloved pet portraits will also have a lasting positive impact on the most vulnerable people in our community is really very special."

14. Poyner also explained a little bit about Turning Point's Mission Statement:

"Turning Tides believe that everyone has the right to a home, regardless of the difficulties they may face in their lives. The work we undertake to empower homeless and insecurely housed individuals is vital."

15. She added:

"Through a variety of specialist support services, both residential and community based, the aim for each person is that they are empowered to fulfil their potential and secure a brighter future. Turning Tides is the largest provide of homeless services for single people throughout West Sussex.

We run 22 properties in various locations across the county and we are firmly committed to ending local homelessness. For over 28 years, we have supported thousands of rough sleepers and homeless men and women.""

16. Once his art went fast past his immediate friend circle, he created a Facebook page. He said:

“After a couple of shares, I started getting requests from people I didn't know asking for portraits. That’s when I set up the Facebook page Pet Portraits By Hercule and the JustGiving page which is raising money for my local homelessness charity, Turning Tides."

17. "I was having fun drawing the pictures, people seemed to enjoy laughing at them, and if we could make a bit of money for a brilliant cause in the process—great!”

18. It started so small, Hercule said:

"My initial dream was to try to raise £299 (around $388), which was the price I had initially quoted as the price for my portraits."

19. In the first two weeks he blew past his original goal, raising "just shy of £1000 (around $1299.)"

20. As of right now, his Facebook page is on the fast track to hitting 20,000 followers.

21. Thinking of getting yourself on the wait list for a pet portrait yourself? Here's some helpful info:

"The pictures are free. All I ask for is a donation to the charity Turning Tides Ending Local Homelessness who are my local homelessness charity. The donation can be whatever you are comfortable with and please do not donate more than you can easily afford."

22. "A suggested donation is £14 which is enough for Turning Tides to provide someone with breakfast and a hot shower. It would be great to think that each of my scribbles is providing someone with the basic need of a shower and a fully belly."

23. We have mentioned he's backlogged, he makes sure the donation site includes this disclaimer:

"You can donate whenever you like but please do not donate with the expectation of receiving a portrait. Unless you are happy to make a donation regardless of whether or not you get a picture, please do not donate until I have finished your portrait."

24. Honestly, Hercule clearly has a good heart, a great sense of humor, and a lot more talent for artistry than he gives himself credit for.

25. Here are some ways you can follow the journey, provide support, or seek a portrait of your own.

Turning Tides has their own Facebook page.

This is the fundraiser website.

Of course, we highly recommend following Hercule on Facebook, too.

26. Stance and Cattitude captured.

27. Say cheese.

28. Isn't there a movie about this?

29. Big stretchums.

30. Censored, for humor.

Elana