Welcome to my blog, where I share my passion for Scottish animal art. As an artist living on the beautiful Isle of Skye, I am constantly inspired by the stunning Scottish wildlife that surrounds me. From the highland cows to the elusive red deer, I love capturing the essence of these creatures in my homemade illustrations. But creating art from home while also caring for my 2-year-old son (as of 2023) requires a unique set of techniques and tools, which I am excited to share with you in this post. So let's dive into the world of Scottish animal art and discover the real techniques and tools behind it all.
Life on the Isle of Skye: Balancing Motherhood and Art
Living on the picturesque Isle of Skye is a dream come true for me as an artist and a mother. Balancing the demands of motherhood with my passion for art is no easy feat, but it's a challenge that I embrace every day. Whether I'm creating wildlife paintings of the majestic golden eagle or capturing the playful nature of the red squirrel, I find solace and inspiration in the beauty of Scottish fauna. With my limited edition prints and original artworks, I strive to bring the essence of the highland cattle and mountain hare to life on my digital canvas. Join me as I navigate the joys and challenges of being an artist and a mother on this stunning island.
Capturing the Spirit of Scottish Wildlife in My Illustrations
With a blend of traditional techniques and a touch of modern flair, my illustrations aim to capture the true spirit of Scottish wildlife. Whether it's through oil painting on canvas prints, acrylic paint on high quality paper, or digital art, I strive to bring these magnificent creatures to life. From the intricate details of large birds in flight to the whimsical charm of a cow painting, my animal paintings aim to evoke a sense of awe and appreciation for the beauty of Scottish fauna.
Tools of the Trade: Techniques Behind My Unique Animal Art
When it comes to creating my unique animal art, I rely on a variety of techniques and tools to bring my illustrations to life. From working with traditional mediums like oil and acrylic paints to my trusty iPad and the Procreate app, each method allows me to capture the essence of Scottish wildlife in its own special way. One of the primary reasons I use my iPad for most of my work is because I can put it down and pick it up at my convenience. There is no mess and no toddler covered head to toe in oil based paint. Whilst it may not be everyone's tastes, my aim is to create stunning wildlife art that truly showcases the beauty of the animals I love.
A Peek into My Creative Process: From Sketch to Final Art Piece
Creating a piece of art is like embarking on a journey. It starts with a simple sketch, a rough outline of the vision in my mind. From there, I carefully choose the colours and textures that will bring the animals to life. Layer by layer, stroke by stroke, the artwork slowly takes shape. It's a process that requires patience and attention to detail, but it's also incredibly rewarding. And when the final art piece is complete, it's a moment of pure satisfaction, knowing that I have captured the spirit of Scottish wildlife within the Scottish landscape.
The Joys and Challenges of Working from Home
Working from home as an artist has its own unique joys and challenges. On one hand, I have the freedom to create art in the comfort of my own space and be present for my 2-year-old son. It's a joy to have the flexibility to balance my artistic pursuits with the demands of parenting. However, it can also be a challenge to find the time and focus needed to create art amidst the distractions of home life. But despite the challenges, the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and the ability to be there for my son make it all worth it. Plus, living and working on the Isle of Skye means I can simply look out my window and become inspired.
Finding Inspiration in Scottish Fauna
Surrounded by the beauty of the Scottish fauna, I find endless inspiration for my artwork. The razor sharp mountains, tranquil lochs, and diverse wildlife offer a wealth of subjects to capture. Whether it's the elegance of a red deer or the charm of a puffin, each animal possesses a unique beauty that sparks my creativity. From the vibrant colours of a golden eagle to the intricate patterns of a highland cow, I strive to capture the essence of these creatures and share their captivating spirit through my illustrations. One of my favourite illustrations of a Scottish animal is of the iconic Highland cow. Whilst the cow is a favourite so is its location. This is on the road home to Elgol and when I get to this point on a long journey I can't help but feel like the journey of over. With the Isle of Rum in the background and the single track road, it really is one of my favourite places.
Unleashing the Artistic Potential with Parenting Duties
Balancing the demands of parenting with my artistic pursuits has been a journey of discovering the true depth of my creativity. Whilst it can be challenging at times to find the time and focus to create art whilst caring for my son, I have found that being a mother has actually enhanced my artistic potential. The unconditional love and joy that comes with parenting fuels my creativity and gives me a fresh perspective on capturing the spirit of Scottish wildlife in my illustrations. Thankfully, Jamie also loves the many animals that you find in Scotland.