Read this Wildlife Art Journal article

Everyone in the world knows that the French savor their sophisticated tastes, be they visual, culinary, acoustic, or other expresions of the sensual arts. Painting, sculpture and photography are not approached as mere avocations or “hobbies”; those who engage in such pursuits are subject, after all, to centuries of accumulated philosophical reflection on what constitutes creative greatness and what does not.  It is a high standard that forever looms over the careers of young artists aspiring to be true to themselves.

Laurence Saunois, an artist who explores animal motifs, is praised for making a contemporary statement with her work, having in 2010 earned special critical recognition in the BBC Wildlife Artist Of The Year Competition.  Not long ago, Wildlife Art Journal had an opportunity to interview Ms. Saunois to discuss not only the evolution of her career but the challenges of being a wildlife painter in a country with highly refined artistic expectations.  WAJ encourages readers to help Saunois promote great ape protection and restoration through the Kalaweit Project.


 

Title : Don't Let Me Die
medium : oil on canvas
 20 X 27 inches


WILDLIFE ART JOURNAL: Let’s begin, Laurence, with a question that many readers have:  We know of the historic struggles artists in Europe have faced with representing animals in their work, including adherents of the Animaliers sculpture movement in the 19th century that included, among others, Barye, Bugatti and Rodin.   What is it like to be a painter of wildlife subject...