WILDLIFE PAINTINGS

Wildlife Paintings - FAQs

1. What type of colours are used in wildlife paintings?

An American wildlife painter by the name Terry Isaac made colour palette suggestions in his book Painting the Drama of Wildlife Step By Step. A few of the colours he recommended are titanium white, raw sienna, hookers green, ultramarine blue, burnt umber, yellow oxide, and Payne’s grey among others.

Choosing colours for wildlife art is a complex process involving keen observation, the idea of presentation, and technique. The artist first observes the landscape and the animal in focus. He or she takes note of the colour story - the light, brightness, reflections, saturation, and the like. While slowly establishing the light and texture in the scenery, the artist soaks in the atmosphere of the scenery, interprets his or her current state of emotions, and plans a way to represent the same in the wild animals painting.

2. How do you paint wildlife?

First and foremost, the artist at the scene takes a picture of the animal he or she is planning to paint. Next, what is important is to get maximum information at the scene in the sketchbook - after which it can be brought to life in the studio. While painting wildlife, it can be tempting to skip the sketching stage and move straight ahead to painting. However, getting the proportions of the sketches right is key. Sketches are refined constantly until reaching perfection. One of the most crucial elements of wild paintings is composition. Gradually, the lighting, colour mixes, and contours gain focus in the painting process until completion.

3. Where should you place wildlife paintings in your house?

Wild animal art adds life and power to space, so the perfect place to hang wildlife paintings would be a spot that is a focal point for residents and guests. For a large space, pick wildlife oil paintings that depict a herd of animals; and a portrait of a single animal for comparatively smaller spaces.

4. How do you identify a good wildlife painting?

With more and more artists becoming ecologically conscious, wildlife conservation paintings have taken precedence in the recent past. However, plain paintings of wildlife and nature are still a preferred choice by art enthusiasts. That brings us to the question of how to identify a good wildlife painting. Wildlife paintings, in general, take a considerable amount of time, effort, and energy. There is no such thing as easy wildlife paintings. A good painting is one that speaks to you, that brings back a memory or evokes a certain emotion. The way to judge a painting is to go by how it makes you feel when you see it. The complexity of composition, the smart brush strokes, and realism should help you make the final call.

5. Who are the famous artists who paint wildlife?

Wildlife drawings and paintings have been a topic of interest for many artists. Here are a few of the most famous wildlife artists of the recent past:

• Carl Brenders: Carl Brenders is a Belgian naturalist and artist who is popular for his detailed and life-like paintings of wildlife. He was named the 24th Master Artist at the Wisconsin Birds in Art exhibition held in 2002.

• John Banovich: An American artist who is known for his dramatic portrayals of wildlife, John Banovich holds African species of many large animals such as elephants, lions, rhinos, and leopards dear to his heart.

• Terry Isaac: Known for the realism in wildlife paintings, Terry Isaac is a Canadian artist who was named “Artist of the Year” in several art shows and wildlife expos.

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