Instead of heading to the zoo this weekend, get a glimpse of wild animals up close at Mandala Fine Art's Wildlife Art Exhibition, a selection of animal and conservation-themed artworks by 36 artists worldwide. The portraits are striking, from graphite drawings of wolves and stags in the wild to finely painted hornbills sheathed in dramatic shades of yellow and green.
A Perfect Fit (2010)
By Laura Quinn, alkyd on board, 57x72cm
This painting of an orangutan with its baby tightly cradled to its chest was done by Quinn, a British artist who specialises in wildlife portraits. "I like to create intimate portraits of animals, where the focus is solely on them, allowing their character to shine through," she says.
Look Into My Eyes (2012)
By Laura Quinn, alkyd on board, 40x54cm
Here, the artist captures the tiger's unflinching gaze. This work earned her a nomination for the Endangered Species category at the BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year awards in 2013.
Great Hornbill (2012)
By Leon van der Linden, oil on canvas, 51x61cm
The Dutch wildlife artist specialises in painting birds and the hornbill is one of his favourite species. "The inspiration is the unusual and extravagant plumage of these birds," he says.
Ribbon-tailed Astrapia (2014)
By Leon van der Linden, oil on canvas, 76x117cm
Here, the artist captures the long, graceful white train of this bird of paradise, native to Papua New Guinea. He says: "I like to show the beauty and diversity of the nature around, and especially uncommon creatures that are in danger."
The Love Of Wolves (2015)
By Sanjeewani Wijewardhane, graphite pencil drawing, 40x60cm
The Sri Lankan artist, who practised sketching on her own and learnt from YouTube and online tutorials, drew this dramatic close-up of two wolves on the prowl.
The Owl (2015)
By Sanjeewani Wijewardhane, graphite pencil drawing, 40x60cm
Wijewardhane depicts the bird of prey, wings outstretched, in descent. She says: "Doing wildlife art is more fascinating to me than portraits as it gives me the chance to bond with nature."
Appearance In The Delta (2014)
By Stefano Zagaglia, oil on canvas, 100x100cm
This environmental portrait of a stag, dramatically lit by light piercing a forest clearing, was done by the Italian artist, who wishes to "to convey beauty and solemnity" through his works.
The Warrior (2013)
By Stefano Zagaglia, oil on board, 80x80cm
Zagaglia, who is taken with the wild animals on the African continent, brings the viewer face-to-face with the rhinoceros. He depicts its thick hide in all its contours, down to the fine hairs on its eyelashes.
Lee Jian Xuan
WHERE: The Tube linkway and 02-15 Orchard Gateway, 277 Orchard Road
MRT: Somerset
WHEN: Till Nov 15, 10.30am to 10.30pm daily
ADMISSION: Free
INFO: Call 8511-5039 or go to www.facebook.com/www.mandalafineartstudio.sg
