Animal
Spirit
Updated 31st Aug 2010
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The artist - Georgina Gibbons
I trained in art at the Central School of Art and Design in London (now St. Martin’s School of Art) and have spent many years working in graphic design and marketing. I am a member of the SAA and also the Marwell International Wildlife Art Society.
I have always had a deep love of animals and feel a strong empathy with them. I have owned a horse and several dogs, cats and lovebirds. My first animal portrait was of my German Shepherd cross back in 1991. I have created a number of animal portraits on and off over the years, but a few years ago I rediscovered my passion for drawing animals. I also discovered the enormous pleasure of giving an owner a portrait of their beloved companion, especially when that pet is no longer with them.
I hand paint the portrait using photographs as a guide, but I don’t aim to just reproduce
the photograph - I hope to enhance it. My objective is to bring out the animal’s
personality through the picture – its SPIRIT. I can combine photographs or make changes
such as removing a tag hanging from the collar or correcting milky eyes and “red
eye”. See Photo-to-Portrait examples. When the portrait is nearing completion, I
put away the photograph and make the final touches as I think they should be from
an artistic point of view.
These days I work exclusively in high quality pastels which give both a softness and an intensity of colour. I use either velour paper or traditional pastel paper, depending on the desired effect. Examples of both are in the Portrait Gallery. You can also see an example of how a pastel portrait is created.
I exhibit at the MIWAS International Wildlife Art Exhibition held at Marwell Wildlife Park in Hampshire fin August. Please contact me for details of forthcoming events.
I would love to create a beautiful portrait for you.
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“You’ve
captured her zest for life and
enthusiasm perfectly. I will treasure it.
Thank you!”
Sarah Froud, Bournemouth
