Shane Wiseman
I am a self - taught award winning West Midland's born wildlife artist.
From a young age I have had a love of wildlife and painting. School holidays were often spent visiting Birmingham's Natural History Museum and Art Gallery. Frequent family visits were to Dudley zoo and nearby animal parks, whilst watching deer on Cannock Chase was and still is a real thrill. After finishing school I gained a place at the much acclaimed Birmingham School of Jewellery .Here I spent three years learning the art of engraving, silver-smithing and the manufacture of bespoke items before gaining Advanced City and Guilds qualification in Jewellery. This course developed skills in design, illustration and working in fine detail that I now use in my painting.
Many wildlife artist, both past and present, including George Stubbs, David Shepherd and Lesley Harrison have provided much inspiration to such an extent that I start painting again after a period of inactivity.
I have been fortunate enough to visit Kenya twice seeing the Big Five and marveling at the abundance of wildlife, all at close quarters. Fortunately the one I didn't see was the lion that visited our camp at night.As well as bird watching holidays to Morocco I have also visited many locations in Britain to observe mammals and birds, in their natural habitat which I then use for reference.As a member of the West Midlands Bird Club I have the opportunity to study a variety of birds from hides by lakes, ponds and in woodlands.
I prefer to capture subjects in the wild for my paintings. On my various holidays, visits to zoos and wildlife parks I am able to sketch the subjects at close range and concentrate on the fine detail that are an important element in my work.
I work mainly in pastel on velour. Painting wildlife, mammals, birds pet portraits and equine subjects, often acquiring commissions at local craft and art events.
I am a member of M.W.A.S.I, T.W.A.S.I, S.A.A and local art clubs.
Happiness is working at my easel creating stunning realistic wildlife paintings.