Chinese Leopard, Oil on Canvas, 20" x 20"

I met this gorgeous leopard at the Wildlife Heritage Trust for endangered species. I was with a group of photographers and became fascinated with him. Since it seemed mutual, I kept popping back for more photographs while the rest of the group moved on. On my fourth return, something hit the glass between us at such velocity I nearly lost the camera! Turned out there were two leopards in there and his thoroughly irritated hidden mate had four footed the glass in a blur of motion and force! No-one was hurt and I took the hint and tootled off!

I have a passion for all animals and the natural world. Most of these paintings are done from my own photographs or sketches of the animals, including the Big Cats.   There is a story and experience of some kind which goes with each and that creates an energy I feel is hard to get from working only in the studio or from online references. You can see more photos , close-ups and in situ views of several in my Etsy Shop - The Magic Paintbox - link below. You can also email me if you would like to find out more about any available ones or  discuss a  personal commission     [email protected]  

White Knight 24" x 32" - Oil on Canvas

An Oil Portrait of a beautiful Arabian, based on the Champion Stallion, El Nabila b, who I had the great honor of meeting a few years ago at his then home in California! I have concentrated on the sculptural elegance and strength of form and used a limited and muted palette which complements his power and grace.

Curious Companions 20" x 20" Oil on canvas

While driving with friends in the West of Ireland, I spotted these two beauties in a nearby field and shot off to photograph them; deaf to the outraged cries of my companions - on whom I apparently unleashed a million midges as I went! These ponies were extremely curious and friendly and I am on a promise to return with carrots, since they posed here for free!! The work is on block canvas painted all around the sides, so no frame is required. It is very three dimensional in impact.

Allah's Gift - 18" x 22" Oil on Canvas

Prints available here

This painting was the first in a series in which I wanted to celebrate the mythical beauty and allure of Arabian horses. I named it "Allah's Gift" as according to legend, these horses were created from the wind itself by Allah on the last day of creation. Fittingly this one was purchased by a client from the Royal court in Riyadh.

Burning Bright 20" x 16" - Oil on Canvas

This is an endangered Sumatran Tiger. The painting is Oil on linen canvas. This stunning predator is captured here mid prowl and looking up at the watcher. The model is from "The Big Cat Sanctuary" in England and she was part of a group of endangered animals who are there to essentially breed and preserve their species against extinction. However currently the prospect of a return to the wild for this species is out of view sadly.

Out of the Blue  - Oil on canvas - 32" x 24"

                    For Sale  - click here

A white tiger emerges from the blue, atop a white crystal mountain. The tiger seems to come straight at you out of a deep blue vortex and snow storm effect - it was fun and rather indulgen to paint! With a very 3D feel it could prove a talking point for any room.  White Tigers are amongst the must beautiful and high impact of the Big Cats and this one, with his curious, ice blue eyes, is no exception!  Unfortunately they're even more endangered and breeding them is questionable and often unscrupulous. Nevertheless I am celebrating the beauty alone here!The canvas is deep-edged , painted white around the sides and meant to hang unframed - but could be framed if preferred.

Tiger Lily, 14" x 18" - Oil on canvas

This original painting is of a Bengal tiger at ease in a forest pool. He looks as if he may be about to sample the Water lily floating in front of him! I love the way the vibrant colour of the lily is picked up by the colour of the tiger's tongue and the reflections of his glorious markings in the water. The rich colours and scene make this a rather exotic painting which would liven up a bland room, or equally; enhance a more richly decorated one.