Congratulations to all the artists of The Art of Animals 2025! This virtual exhibition has an open theme on purpose. We asked artists to show us their most epic and moving animal art. The results are astounding.
There is a lot of Realism in this exhibition, but also illustration, Abstract Expressionism, and a lot of interesting uses and combinations of materials. This is The ART of Animals.
It is the goal of Wild Heart Gallery to support and promote animal and wildlife artwork in a wide range of genres and styles. Artwork for this exhibition was selected by jury based on theme, originality, skill, and quality of work. Jurors were Sarah Soward, Sharon Eisley, Doug Stewart, and Torie Hilley.
Awards: Best of Show, Overall Runner Up, **Blick Materials Award, Artivism Award, Overall Honorable Mentions, and Finalists.
Click on an image below to enlarge it.
BEST OF SHOW
The Mustang, by Ksystof Cetyrkovski 35 x 47 inches, Mixed media painting
From the artist, "I did this painting with airbrush and brushes, acrylic. It contains 3 layers, each layer represents the color, movement and grace of horse."
We asked artists to show us epic brush work, incredible composition, and/or elegant animal forms. This incredible painting delivers on all three points. The explosion of paint and energetic motion flow beautifully with the structures and fluid lines of the horse. There is a satisfying attention to detail that melds back into mysterious shapes and forms. All this happens while still making clear the form and purpose of the mustang.
OVERALL RUNNER UP
Group Hug, by Cynthie Fisher
33 x 19 inches, Scratchboard and watercolor
From the artist, "I am known for depicting zebras, as I find their markings and behaviors irresistible. I've been to Africa 24 times, and zebras are always one of my favorite subjects. I used scratchboard and watercolor for this piece, showing a close-knit family enjoying each other's company."
Luncheon of the Boating Party, by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, comes to mind when looking at this piece. At first it seems to be a collection of zebras mingling, just as the people in the boating party are interacting at a human distance. Looking closer, there is an attention to and quality of light that reminds me of Renoir (but with zebras and realism on scratchboard). Following the eye direction of each zebra in turn offers a different journey through the artwork than following the light or the zebras themselves, much like following the gazes of the people in that boating party. There is something transcendant here.
BLICK ART MATERIALS AWARD
Queen, by Laurie Moore 24 x 18 in, Acrylic on canvasÂ
From the artist, "Capturing the essence of maternity in a unique perspective, Laurie Moore's artwork unveils a compelling portrayal of a gravid Sphynx cat. Mirroring human pregnancy symptoms, the queen exhibits changes in her body akin to breast development and weight gain. The repetitive imagery, reminiscent of a kaleidoscope, swirls selectively around the feline, creating a mesmerizing visual narrative. Framing the figure is gold-leaf-like paint in an off center rectangle in order to create movement in the eye of the viewer, searching to make sense when there is no sense to be had. The exhausted countenance of the cat conveys a sense of weariness and utilization, inviting viewers to contemplate the shared experiences of motherhood across species."
ARTIVISM AWARD
That's Some Real Bull(snake), Erin Driscoll 24 x 12 in, Acrylic on wood panelÂ
From the artist, "Bullsnake, Pituophis catenifer sayi, 12"x24" acrylic on board. I truly enjoy painting reptiles and the fact that they don't get the same exposure as some of the more cuddly and furry animals on our planet provides it's own incentive. These animals can be absolutely stunning and they deserve to be in the spotlight more. That is my goal, to shed greater light on the often misunderstood and maligned creatures of our world."
OVERALL HONORABLE MENTIONS
Congratulations to our Overall Honorable Mention winners, Andrea Garcia, Hanna Bewley, Kathryn Hansen, Cher Pruys, Ksystof, Laura Burk, Andrew Linden, Neal Portnoy, Tom Krause, and Mark Slawson.
FINALISTS
Congratulations to our award Finalists, Saforrider, Melissa Van Egdom, Danguole Serstinskaja, Marietta Cohen, Holly Kavonic, Peter Mathios, Francisco Arias, Barney Levitt, Marilyn Rackelman, Stu Beavers, Elena Von Derau, Elizabeth England, Cindy Chinn, Elizabeth Forkey, Dan Knepper, and Jime Wimmer.
Award Distribution for 3rd Annual Animal Portraiture Open
Best of Show receives $350 cash award and promotion on the following: Art Week, Wild Heart Gallery’s (WHG's) growing social media and other online media channels, WHG's eNewsletter, and WHG's home page (for duration of the exhibition).
Overall Runner Up receives $150 cash award and promotion on Wild Heart Gallery’s (WHG's) growing social media/other online media channels and WHG's eNewsletter and inclusion in a virtual group exhibition that lasts at least one month.
**Blick Art Materials Award recipient receives a gift coupon valued at $100 USD for use at www.dickblick.com, promotion on Wild Heart Gallery’s (WHG's) growing social media/other online media channels and WHG's eNewsletter, and inclusion in a virtual group exhibition that lasts at least one month. Award recipient also receive an award certificate, emailed as a PDF to the email address used for the submission process.
We are thrilled to announce that Blick Art Materials is a proud sponsor of this art call. Blick Art Materials generously donated a $100 gift coupon to us for use as an award in this art call. Their selection of art materials and tools is outstanding.
Artivism Award receives $50 cash award and promotion on Wild Heart Gallery’s (WHG's) growing social media/other online media channels and WHG's eNewsletter and inclusion in a virtual group exhibition that lasts at least one month.
All award recipients receive promotion on Wild Heart Gallery’s (WHG's) growing social media/other online media channels and WHG's eNewsletter and inclusion in a virtual group exhibition that lasts at least one month. All award recipients also receive an award certificate, emailed as a PDF to the email address used for the submission process.
Proudly sponsored in part by Blick Art Materials
This art exhibition was juried by Sarah Soward, Sharon Eisley, Doug Stewart, and Torie Hilley.