Born in South Africa and now based in Australia, self-taught artist Carla Grace grew up around the wildlife that would later become the subjects of her hyperrealistic oil paintings. Her incredible depictions of tigers, lions, wolves, giraffes, and much more capture the wild, majestic beauty of the animal kingdom.
“Wild animals were always a part of our lives in Kariba (Zimbabwe, Africa),” reveals Grace. “It was so normal for an elephant to walk through our yard or for us to drive into the Savannah for the afternoon to watch the herds graze as the sun set. I miss this and want to share the tangible presence of wild nature with as many people as I can.”
Grace has certainly succeeded in her mission to share just how special these animals are. To craft their likenesses, she starts each large-scale canvas with her subjects’ eyes. Once they appear “alive,” she moves onto the rest of the painting, meticulously rendering realistic fur and feathers in oil paint. Each piece is so true to life that you can almost feel the warm energy of her wild subjects coming from the canvas. But don’t worry; they won’t bite!
If you love Grace’s painting style and want to learn how she does it, she gives online video tutorials on how to paint realistic fur. Check out her website for more information and scroll down to see out some paintings from her portfolio.
Australia-based artist Carla Grace creates hyperrealistic oil paintings of wild animals.
The self-taught artist grew up in South Africa where she was surrounded by wildlife that would later become the subjects of her paintings.
Each realistic painting captures the tangible, wild beauty of her subject.
Carla Grace: Website | Facebook | Instagram
My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Carla Grace.
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