#animal paintings on canvas

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Cats Stealing Food in Paintings

Still Life with Cat (1705) by Desportes, It's no use crying over spilt milk (1880) by Frank Paton, Still Life of the Remnants of a Meal with a Lunging Cat (18th Century) by Alexandre-François Desportes, Fish Still Life with Two Cats (1781) by Martin Ferdinand Quadal, Still Life with a Cat and a Mackerel on a Table Top (18th Century) by Giovanni Rivalta, The Collared Thief (1860) by William James Webbe, Cat Stealing a String of Sausages (17th Century) by Abraham van Beyeren, Still Life with a Cat (1760) by Sebastiano Lazzari, Kitchen Still Life with Fish and Cat (ca. 1650) by Sebastian Stoskopff, An Oyster Supper (1882) by Horatio Henry Couldery, Still Life with an Ebony Chest (17th Century) by Frans Snyders, Still Life with a Cat (1724) by Alexandre-Francois Desportes, A Cat Attacking Dead Game (18th Century) by Alexandre-François Desportes, Still Life of Fresh-Water Fish with a Cat (1656) by Pieter Claesz, Still Life with Fruits and Ham with a Cat and a Parrot (18th Century) by Alexandre-Francois Desportes, A Cat Holding a Fish in Its Mouth (18th Century) by Sebastiano Lazzari, Still Life with a Cat and a Hare (18th Century) by Desportes, Still Life with Cat and Rayfish (1728) by Jean-Siméon Chardin, A Cat with Dead Game (1711) by Alexandre-Francois Desportes, Still Life with Cat and Fish (1728) by Jean Baptiste Siméon Chardin

Via James Lucas on X/Twitter

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How to Participate in an Animal Art Contest: A Wild Ride to Artistic Glory!

Welcome, fellow artists, to the thrilling, tail-wagging, and occasionally claw-scratching adventure of competing in an animal art contest! If you've ever dreamed of turning your love for art and the animal kingdom into a masterpiece that could make even a lion purr in approval, then you're in the right place. Whether you're an experienced wildlife artist or a curious creative soul who thinks drawing a giraffe’s neck is a piece of cake, we’ve got you covered.

Step 1: Choose Your Animal Muse (Fur, Feathers, or Scales?)

Before diving headfirst into the zoo art world, you need to pick your muse. Are you inspired by the noble stance of a tiger, the mischievous glint in a raccoon's eye, or the sheer chaos of a parrot who refuses to stay still? Choosing an animal that resonates with you will make your artistic journey more enjoyable and authentic.

Step 2: Pick Your Medium – The Art of Animal Artistry

Once you’ve chosen your furry, feathery, or scaly subject, it’s time to decide how you want to bring them to life. Animal paintings on canvas are a classic choice, giving you the freedom to capture the raw beauty of wildlife with acrylics, oils, or watercolors. However, don’t limit yourself—digital art, sculpture, or even mixed media are all welcome in many animal art contests.

Step 3: Find the Right Contest – A Call for Wild Artists!

Not all animal art contests are created equal. Some focus on realistic wildlife portraits, while others celebrate abstract and impressionistic takes on the art of animals. Do some research and look for contests that align with your style and artistic goals.

Places to find animal art contests:

Online platforms like Teravarna (shameless but well-deserved plug!)

Art foundations dedicated to wildlife conservation

Local and international zoo exhibitions

Art magazines and social media groups

Please read the guidelines carefully. Some contests have themes—such as endangered species awareness or animals in motion—that can inspire new artistic directions.

Step 4: Let Your Creativity Run Wild (But Stay Within the Rules!)

Now comes the fun part: creating your masterpiece! Let your creativity take center stage, but keep an eye on the contest rules. Some contests have size restrictions, submission format guidelines, or even specific color palettes (because apparently, not all giraffes can be purple—who knew?).

If you’re creating animal paintings on canvas, consider using different techniques to make your work stand out. Layering textures, experimenting with perspective, and playing with light can make your piece truly captivating.

Step 5: The Submission Process – Don’t Let a Missed Deadline Bite You!

Once your zoo art masterpiece is complete, it’s time to submit it. Double-check the contest requirements:

Does your submission meet the required dimensions and resolution?

Have you formatted it correctly (JPG, PNG, PDF, or actual physical submission)?

Is your artist statement engaging and well-written? (A short blurb about your inspiration can make a huge impact!)

Have you proofread your submission to avoid typos that might turn “majestic panther” into "majestic panther”?

Pro Tip: Some contests charge an entry fee, so budget accordingly. If you're new to the scene, look for free or low-cost competitions to get started.

Step 6: Promote Your Work – How to Roar in the Art Jungle!

Even if your entry doesn't bag the top prize, participating in an animal art contest is an achievement worth sharing! Use social media to showcase your work, engage with fellow artists, and get feedback. Who knows? Your painting of a sleepy sloth might go viral and make you the next big name in wildlife art.

Some ways to promote your work:

Post your piece on Instagram, tagging relevant art pages

Create a time-lapse video of your process

Engage with other artists in zoo art communities

Offer limited-edition prints for sale (because everyone needs a sophisticated llama portrait in their living room)

Step 7: Celebrate Your Wins (Even the Small Ones!)

Winning an animal art contest is amazing, but even if you don’t place first, remember that every contest is a learning experience. Constructive feedback from judges, exposure to different styles, and the sheer joy of creating something meaningful are all wins in their own right.

Conclusion: Ready to Take on the Animal Art World?

Whether you’re painting a roaring lion, a curious raccoon, or a dignified penguin, participating in an animal art contest is an exciting way to showcase your talent and passion for wildlife. From finding the right inspiration to nailing the submission process, this guide has hopefully given you all the tools you need to jump into the world of animal paintings on canvas with confidence.

[xaoca]

Hunger by Nightjar art of Adam Burke

[axlakuma]

Sharks // oil on canvas

Konstantin Korobov

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Jacques-Laurent Agasse (Swiss, 1767–1849), "The Hard Word"

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Minyoung Kim - Yum Yum, 2023

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Junior (2024)

A colorful pet portrait of a brown and white tabby shorthair cat named Junior in bright psychedelic rainbow colors. Acrylics on 12" x 16" canvas.

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Strayed from the Flock, 1867 - oil on canvas — Briton Riviere (British, 1840-1920)

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Edgar Bundy (1862-1922) "A Witch" Oil on canvas

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Barn Owls with Their Brood, William Tomkins, ca. 1775

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Portrait of a White Cat Seated Before a Mirror

— by an Austrian cat painter, Carl Kahler

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Does it all matter in the end?

Get a print!

Reblogs are appreciated, my recent posts aren't doing too well :')

It would also be really lovely if you considered checking out my print shop and maybe buying a print! It helps out a ton, you're directly supporting me and helping me make more art by buying stuff from there :} i shall add more things soon

[xaoca]

Minna Leunig

[icecreamwithjackdaniels]

Theodor Kittelsen (Norwegian, 1857–1914), "The Twelve Wild Ducks" (detail), 1897