Philip -Animal Artist:
Capturing the Essence of the Animal Kingdom
For Philip Andrew, art is far more than a technical exercise in achieving a “good likeness”—it is a profound exploration of connection. To Philip, a successful painting doesn’t just show you what an animal looks like; it makes you feel who they are.
As a self-taught artist with a lifelong devotion to the natural world, Philip’s creative process is inextricably linked to his daily life spent in the company of the creatures he paints. His days are spent at Hope Pastures, an equine rescue centre in North Leeds, where the air is filled with the rhythmic breathing of horses and the quiet, steady resilience of animals in recovery.
It is here, amidst the earthy scents of the stables and the spirited presence of local wildlife, that Philip finds his deepest inspiration. He observes the subtle tilt of a head, the flicker of an ear, and the deep, communicative power in an animal’s eyes. When the sun sets, he returns to his studio to translate those moments of quiet strength and soulful character onto canvas. Each brushstroke is a tribute to the personalities he encounters, turning a day’s work in rescue into a night’s work in fine art.
From the Sanctuary to the Studio
Philip’s passion has taken him across the globe, most notably to South Africa. These travels have allowed him to get “up close and personal” with the majestic subjects of his paintings. Whether visiting a global sanctuary or working at a local rescue, Philip finds hope in the beauty of animals and a drive to share their stories through his art.
While he is a “cat person” at heart—inspired by everything from the domestic tabby to the African leopard—his portfolio spans a diverse range of subjects, with a particular love for cats (large and small), foxes, zebras, and equines.
(All the pictures on this page were taken at wildlife sanctuaries)
The Art of the Layer
Though he occasionally works in watercolours, Philip’s true medium is oils. His signature style relies on the patient building of layers:
This meticulous process ensures that each piece is not just a painting, but an interesting work of art in its own right.