James Wadley

James Wadley is a Sydney-based artist with a deep love for dogs — especially the ones who have had to wait a little longer to find their place in the world — and a passion for capturing them through watercolour.

His sketches are always hand-drawn, loose and expressive, with vibrant colour and just a touch of unpredictability. Each piece is less about perfection, and more about connection — a way of preserving the spirit, resilience, and quiet joy that rescue dogs carry with them.

A portion of every book sold goes directly to rescue organisations, helping give more dogs the chance to be seen, loved, and given a second beginning.

The journey started simply. When a friend adopted a shelter pup, James painted their new companion as a thank-you gift. That one small gesture quickly grew — more stories, more dogs, more portraits — until eventually there were enough to fill a book.

That book became Drawn Free, followed by Drawn Free II and beyond — each one a collection of real dogs, real stories, and the hope that comes with being given another chance.

If these stories resonate with you, you’re already part of what makes them possible.