Wildlife paintings throughout the world.

by: David Tatham

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Date: Fri, 7 May 2010 Time: 10:52 AM - 0 comments

The contrast between African and British wildlife could not be greater.
The climate and the animals leave the viewer with a completely different feel for the painting.

Perhaps the best known artist of this genre is Sir Edwin Henry Landseer, an artist of great talent. His style has been described as realistic. Realism artist believed in painting their subjects without exaggerated emotionalism. To show life as it was. His paintings did this. From the ragged looking lion portrayed in 'Lion Drinking At A Stream' to the brutality of the hunt in the painting, 'Hunting of Chevy Chase'.

From Sir Edwin Landseer to today's artist, one theme has remained clear; their love of the wildlife they portray from either continent. African wildlife artist David Shepherd is respected not only for his artistic ability, but for the Conservation Foundation he founded. His career as a wildlife artist began in 1960, when he was commissioned by the Royal Air Force, to paint pictures of local wildlife in Kenya.

His paintings have led to his being described as one of Britain's most popular, and successful artist. The painting, 'Storm Over Africa' is a prime example of his work. With a low viewpoint and looming central figure, the painting of elephants is remarkable.

Sometimes the subjects of his paintings are quite small, but nevertheless just as inspiring. 'Winter foxes' show the vulnerability and softness of two young foxes in the undergrowth. The rich, soft colors of the foxes fur draws the viewers eye. In 'The Dormouse' one can almost see the quiver of the whiskers. It is the ability to create the small, incidental details in his paintings that draws, and holds the viewers attention.

Scotland born artist Eric Wilson, makes his home in Derbyshire, England. His paintings have been sold all over the world. Being close to wildlife in Africa and India can be very dangerous at times. Yet one must say they are worth the effort. With an ability to capture light that rivals the best photographer, his paintings literally glow. The attention to detail is amazing.

In the British wildlife painting, 'Kingfisher in Blossom', one can follow the eye-line of the bird to where his eye is resting upon a ladybug on a branch. The colors and texture of the blossoms in the painting are clear and deft.

His African wildlife paintings are rich in character, and textures as well. 'To run for your life-Lions chasing Zebra', is a painting that causes the viewer to pause and think. Does one cheer for the Zebra to escape, or for the starving Lions to eat. All of his paintings are filled with rich details that mimic life closely.

Toni Hargreaves' interest in wildlife as a subject started in 1997. While exhibiting at the British Falconry Fair, she was introduced to several international wildlife artist. Kenya is known for its safaris, it is there that she managed to find her own unique style. Her paintings of British Garden birds are characteristic of her style.

Attention to detail leads the viewer to appreciate the subject in its home. the painting, 'Chaffinch in Blossom' has color details only a careful observer would make note of.

African wildlife paintings such as, 'Protective Custody' show lions in their natural habitat, not only as predators, but parents as well. All of these artists and hundreds like them, portray wildlife to its benefit and ours.