Animals, and our pet friends, go hand in hand with art
They have inspired and featured in creativity since our earliest ancestors were drawing on the walls of caves, whilst nature has consistently been a source of inspiration for artists. With a world of textures, colours and shapes to explore within these species, we can discover new ways of seeing animals, be that of those at home or in the larger world of wildlife around us. With this in mind, I’m delighted to bring you this exclusive supplement, dedicated to animals and art. Full of inspiration for drawing and painting a variety of creatures in a selection of mediums, you will nd encouragement and excitement with every turn of the page. Take acclaimed wildlife artist Pip McGarry’s oil work on species included in The Big Five. His work is detailed and precise, whilst his passion for his subjects shines through in his words and paintings. Closer to home, we have Matthew Jeanes who paints his beloved dog, Poppy, in watercolour. Meanwhile, pooch Molly-Mou is captured in the same medium, with love, by Siân Dudley. Then we have articles on painting a tree frog, by botanical artist Anna Mason, a beautifully delicate and anatomically accurate watercolour step-by-step of a buttery by Rachel PedderSmith and then further studies on birds, amingos, deers and horses. It’s a fabulous compilation of how we can connect, through our art and creativity, with the natural world. All in all, this supplement provides insight into painting animals in dierent mediums, using a whole host of exciting ideas. I hope it inspires you on your art journey,