Bruce Lawes, Spotted, oil, 16 x 20.
As a painter of wildlife and equine art for the past 30 years, Bruce Lawes of Ontario, Canada, is passionate not only about capturing the spirit of animals but also about using his artwork to advocate for conservation efforts. The more he has learned about rare species and the land they inhabit, the more he has realized how important it is to protect them.
Lawes is particularly fascinated with the spotted big cats of Africa for their striking beauty and the artistic challenge they present. SPOTTED was painted as a prelude to a larger piece of the same subject, and Lawes was so pleased with the results that he decided to enter it in this year’s Artistic Excellence competition. “My intention for this painting was to create a leopard with the intensity and purpose you often see in their eyes when they first spot an opportunity for prey,” the artist says. “The leopard, one of the ‘big five’ cat predators in Africa, is an inspirational subject for how graceful it is, despite its intention for deadly finality. Its fur is not just beautiful to look at and paint but also serves as effective camouflage as it stalks through tall grass or perches in trees. These animals truly are some of the most awe-inspiring animals in Africa.”
Lawes’ painting is noteworthy for the captivating composition and complex design; the clarity of a beautiful palette of complementary colors; and the painstaking detail that makes you feel as if you are right there amongst the trees, observing the perfect patterns of spotted fur and staring into the leopard’s piercing green eyes.
Find Lawes’ work at Settlers West Galleries, Tucson, AZ; Trailside Galleries, Jackson, WY; Broadmoor Galleries, Colorado Springs, CO; Montana Trails Gallery, Bozeman, MT; Plainsmen Gallery, Dunedin, FL; and www.bklawesart.com. —Allison Malafronte
This story appeared in the December 2021/January 2022 issue of Southwest Art magazine.