Animals in Art
Animals tend to have our hearts here at the Sulis Studio, which proves a real struggle when new artworks come in. Instant emotion and that high pitched 'awhh' can be heard as the team flick through what's new. Humans have been drawn to animals since the beginning of time and artists can't seem to stop painting these wonderful creatures we share our planet with. With their endless offering of inspiration and charm, lets look back through the centuries and honour this beloved subject with a few special picks from our collection.
What about this fun piece for your wall! Nothing more nothing less, just a happy bull sat chewing cud before the rain! I'm sure we've all heard the saying! However those skies are looking ever so blue, don't you agree?
The black and white tones in this monochrome etching strips this scene to its bare emotions, as a playful Pekingese dances on hind legs after a floating butterfly. Sometimes the simplest of moments are always the best.
John Nicolson (1891-1951) - Framed Early 20th Century Etching, Playful Pekingese
For the cat lovers we have these gorgeous pen and ink studies of furry felines. What about a chubby tom with a cheeky beard. Those glinting brown eyes raise all sorts of questions for us pet owners.
Swaying in style, is this figurative study of a black feline, prowling at ground level.
Maybe something classy may suit. Horses are always in fashion at Sulis and this fine oil is a perfect example. Soothing and sophisticated, this study of a grey shows the beauty in equine subjects have to offer.
Cerise Boyle (1875-1951) - Framed Late 19th Century Oil, Grey Horse
With their inquisitive and fun personalities, goats make great companions for humans and other animals. We think this works in painting format too! This scruffy billy goat is longing for a new home and is waiting to be snapped up by a true goat lover.
Primitive in its origins, this contemporary piece tells the tale of a native canadian buffalo jumping over an eagle. The artist's choice of vivid colour and shape help aid this symbolic storytelling scene.
Dennis M. Bruce - Canadian School 1995 Acrylic, The Buffalo Jumps Over The Eagle
I think we’ve all caught our pets doing something they shouldn't. If only we all had a picture that expressed that initial moment of oh S**t, HELP! This spooked kitty has his hairs wired in this startled pastel portrait.
Happily coexisting, this cosy scene shows a tabby and terrier looking the best of friends on a crumpled bed sheet- one of those high pitched 'awhhh' moments has to follow such a scene.
All around the world animals have played a massive part in rural life and economic growth. This next watercolour takes us as far as the Middle East with a farmer seated next to his two hardworking oxen.
William Woodhouse (1857-1939) - Framed 1889 Watercolour, Oxen in the Desert
We all wish we could remember those precious puppy moments with our pooches. The prolonged glare of this fox red lab is one we've all seen before. The flash of white around the eye makes our heart melt for this sorry little soul.
And here we are back with the equine theme again. Roaming wild with nature, this stunning oil depicts three young horses with flowing manes and tails, galloping free on the moors.
Or why not opt for this utterly charming embroidery to brighten up your wall. This highly detailed piece depicts the moment between jockey and owner before the big race. If your lucky number is 4, we bet this is the artwork for you!
Loyal by nature, geese are rarely seen on their own, if ever. Here at Graves Park a gaggle of four can be seen foraging together for safety. Their white plumage and orange bills pop against the dense green vegetation on offer. If this isn't friendship goals then we don’t no what is!
If you are looking for something a bit more luxurious, this exquisite portrait of a bay gelding rates highly on our animal loving list. Just look at the shine on this horse's well groomed coat. Dying at the young age of 24, artist Robert William Folkard (1811-1835) never reached his true potential as an artist, which is why his surviving works are all the more precious to us.
Robert William Folkard (1811-1835) - 1831 Watercolour, Bay Horse
