Thawing Snow by Martin Ridley

Dimensions: H71cm x W97cm (Unframed), H100cm x W124cm (Framed).

About the artist:

Martin has worked as a professional wildlife artist since 1989. When asked what inspires him Martin simply answers "the natural world". An enthusiastic observer of nature he thoroughly enjoys the creative challenge of capturing his experiences.

A painter of both mammals and birds Martin Ridley has spent much time developing a knowledge of the field, which is clearly reflected in his work. Combined with conceptual composition his attention to animal behaviour, habitat detail and lighting creates an amazingly accurate and artistic record of his nature encounters. Particular attention is given to integrating his subjects into their natural habitat. Any featured rocks and branches are likely to be given as much attention as the animal content. He prefers to depict the wildlife in a setting that records the “whole” experience of an encounter and the “whole” may be more about the moody landscape than the focal point of a deer placed carefully to offer scale.

Patterns found within nature hold a particular attraction and are often a key feature within his work. Martin derives much of his satisfaction in the studio by exploring the possibilities of composition. The rendering of weather conditions to create atmospheric situations then enhances this compositional creativity.

Inspirations are principally collected during extensive periods of fieldwork when Martin tends to concentrate his observations on one species at a time enabling him to attain an in-depth understanding of behaviour. This has involved activities such as going out in the snow at 4.30am to watch displaying black grouse from a portable hide and nightly visits to badgers and foxes resulting in their eventual habituation to his presence.