Animal Kingdom

Emma Swift was the Grand Prize Winner in International Artist magazine’s Challenge No. 131, Wildlife.

Vivid colors, bold, expressionistic brushstrokes and realistically rendered wildlife encompass the artwork of Emma Swift. The award-winning, UK-based artist works predominantly in oils, bringing her passion for animals to life. Utilizing intense color to bring her subjects and backgrounds together, Swift reminds us that everything, especially in nature, is interconnected. She is inspired by the natural world and the charities that strive to protect it, supporting these important conservation efforts through the sale of her own artwork.Wise Wanderer, oil on canvas, 8¼ x 11½”. Photo reference credit: Rick Beldegreen@WildlifeReferencePhotos.

In her oil on canvas Step into the light, a cheetah walks confidently toward the viewer. The cat’s slender, sculpted, muscular forms create sharp angles that seem to emphasize the creature’s speed and agility, even at a walking pace. “This painting uses color not usually associated with traditional wildlife painting, however, I wanted to capture a drama, a charisma [and] an attitude of this beautiful big cat,” Swift says. Striding On, oil on canvas, 20 x 24"

Pinks, oranges, yellows and blues blend together harmoniously in Swift’s Najin & Fatu, depicting two rhinoceri and three tiny spider monkeys (with a third rhinoceros hiding in the backdrop). “This painting honors Najin and Fatu, the last two northern white rhinos, who now live under the care and protection of Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya,” Swift says of the piece. “They remain a precious and poignant reminder of our impact on this earth, but they also serve as an inspiration for us to do better.” This piece was recently auctioned off at the “Global Gala for Rhinos” event on September 22, supporting critical rhino conservation work.Step into the Light, oil on canvas, 15¾ x 19½"

Hear me Roar, oil on canvas, 10 x 16½"

“Often referred to as a ‘dazzle,’ a herd of zebras finds support and safety in numbers. The vibrancy of these dynamic creatures and of Africa, inspired the bright colors in this painting, used to create its own dazzle, even in this quiet restful moment,” Swift says, reflecting on another of her works titled Better Together, depicting a group of zebras huddling together.Better Together, oil on canvas, 14 x 17¾"

Najin & Fatu, oil on canvas, 17 x 23"

From lions to elephants, sea turtles to flamingos, Swift’s love of the animal kingdom is vast. The artist was recently named “Wildlife Artist of the Year 2022” in the “Animal Behaviour” by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation. She is currently producing a collection for DSWF as their Artist of the Month. Works will be shown online this November and December, with 50 percent of all sales donated to the charitable foundation. —Life on Tap, oil on canvas, 26 x 13¾"