Otter

Annie Drew | Oil on Birch Panel | 25.5 x 16 inches 

“The background a dark blue lagoon, representing the water – an integral part of the Otter’s habitat. It makes its way down to the water’s edge, over a shiny wet rock. As it enters, it will make no sound, slipping under the surface with a gentle swish of its tail…

 I’ve been waiting a long time for the right inspiration to paint an Otter, and this piece has everything I’ve been hoping for. The sculptural spikes of damp fur, nutty browns over the head and creamy whites of the underbelly. Water droplets clinging to the whiskers, telling the story of its recent dip into the water.

I like to imagine it’s finished the hunt and is now headed down to the water for some of its favourite pastime – diving down to the riverbed and picking up pebbles to play with.

Painted from reference taken by Lisette Nieuwenhuizen.

I paint using the “wet on wet” technique, which means I build up the layers of colour and texture in small sections at a time. Not waiting for the paint beneath to dry, but pulling my brush through the wet paint, creating clean and precise marks.

My first experience of professional wildlife art was a book by Christophe Drochon. Nothing had ever inspired me the way his work did, it was such beautiful and realistic art.

I couldn’t begin to work out how he had achieved it, but I knew instantly this was where I belonged. Choosing to leave further education at 17, was a difficult decision. But I was struggling to find a course that would teach me what I wanted to learn. I already knew exactly what I wanted to do, and didn’t want to be limited by what resources were available / affordable to me. With one year’s worth of formal art education under my belt, as well as a childhood built on creativity, I decided to learn by doing.

Starting full-time at such a young age allowed me to grow quickly. Learning as much as possible, seeking advice and building a support system of professional creatives. They helped with framing, printing, teething problems and the occasional disaster! I jumped in head-first and have never wanted to deviate from the path. Simply to expand it! Being self-taught allowed me to focus on what I knew I wanted to do, with passion and determination. Gaining a wealth of knowledge in my chosen field, that can be continuously built on.” Annie