By Chelsea Reed
Ready to go on a wild art adventure? You can admire the beautiful creatures of planet Earth without having to leave your house. Check out these fun and fascinating art pieces featuring the wonderful world of wildlife. You might even find a new furry or feathered friend!
Salvete – Esther and the Zebra by Catheryn Leyland, Acrylic Painting
Surprise! It looks like this safari tourist has a friend already. It’s a good thing this zebra likes people. It certainly isn’t camera shy! The painting is named after “salvete,” which is a word that means “greetings” in Latin. This artist likes to begin the title of all her paintings with the word. A fitting start to this adventure!
Mother and Twins by Beverly Abbott, Oil Painting
This classic portrait of an elephant mom with her twin calves is sure to make anyone’s heart melt. Elephant families share close bonds with each other in the wild. They can live a very long time. Did you know that the average lifespan of an elephant is 65 years? Some even live up to 100!
Howard by Sue deLearie Adair, Graphite Drawing
Now we sojourn from the African wilds to the great desert dunes. Our tour guide is none other than a calm and collected camel named Howard! Don’t let his docile looks fool you, however. Howard is a desert survival expert. Thanks to the humps on his back and his oval-shaped blood cells, he can consume large amounts of water when there is plenty, and go without any water for a week straight.
And Then There Were Five by Jean Cook, Oil Painting
You might have heard of the household pet lovebird, but did you know that these playful avians came from Zambian jungles? Wild black-cheeked lovebirds live in Zambia today. They were almost wiped out in the 1960s, but thanks to the worldwide ban of the cage bird trade their numbers are beginning to increase.
Watching (Toco Toucan) by Bonnie Latham, Watercolor Painting
Birds are remarkably intelligent and social creatures. And sometimes they will watch you! This Toucan maintains a careful eye. The Toco Toucan is the largest species. Toucans can live up to 20 years! Their colorful beaks help them reach for tasty fruit in the treetops.
Tiger by David Hunter, Etching with Acrylic Wash
Whoah! You might want to admire this striking tiger from a safe distance. It’s definitely on the prowl for its next meal. Tigers may be ferocious, but they’re beautiful and endangered. Poachers hunt them for their luscious fur and for folk medicine in Asia. There may be hope, though! Tiger populations are growing in Siberia snowfields.
We Are Neither Pets Nor Food by Liat Polotsky, Watercolor Painting
Our wonderful wild art safari is coming to an end, but not without a thoughtful note in this powerful abstract painting. Thousands of marvelous creatures live among us on planet Earth. Wild animals might not live in skyscraper buildings and work jobs like we do, but they deserve the same respect. Next time you see a wild animal whether large or small, be sure to give it the proper space and appreciate who they are as you admire them with a smile. And remember, you can admire wildlife at a much closer distance in artwork!