David Bellamy – Painting a wildlife narrative

A belated Happy New Year to you all, and thank you so much to all of you who sent good wishes over Christmas. The Festive period was a bit of a blur this year, having to be in so many places, the highlight being taking little Gwinny to see her Mum performing in Cinderella in East Grinstead. Those Ugly Sisters seem to get worse every time I see them!

I love creating something of a narrative in a painting, and this is something well worth thinking about when you are working on a wildlife composition. After many visits to the Arctic polar bears have become a favourite subject of mine, combining a magnificent creature with stunningly dramatic scenery.

In this watercolour my aim was to put across the studied interaction between bear and bird. There were many gulls around, watching the bear with concern, and this one appears to be just a little too close for comfort, although it was some distance away. The gull is keeping a beady eye on the animal, while the bear attempts to look uninterested, yet ready to pounce when she spots a drop in the guard of the gull. These were magical moments watching these creatures play out their deadly game against a backdrop of savage glacier scenery. I’ve only suggested the background so that emphasis is placed on the antagonists, fading the glacial detail out as it goes behind the bear, and keeping the colours muted.

If you wish to see the original it’s hanging in Beaulieu Fine Arts on the edge of the New Forest in Hampshire, tel. 01590 612089   www.beaulieufinearts.co.uk

 Enjoy your painting in 2020 and try to get yourself well prepared early on for those artistic sojourns in search of new subjects. I shall shortly be off in search of some decent snow.

5 thoughts on “David Bellamy – Painting a wildlife narrative

  1. Wow David, what a terrific painting! And what memories it triggers too of a truly magical time
    best wishes to you both
    Rosemary

  2. It is beautiful and what an unusual interaction to document, between a bear and a gull. Here in Sweden, we are also hoping for snow. Where I live we have had only two days of snow for the entire winter period.

  3. Hi David,
    I would love to come on one of your courses. I am not very experienced but enjoy watercolour, particularly the way you use it. I live not far from you near hundred house but would be happy to do a residential course if that’s best.
    Many thanks, Anne

    • Hello Anne, Thanks for your comment. At the moment we are only running one UK course and one overseas painting holiday due to David’s other commitments. This year’s UK course is in Pembrokeshire and I believe it is almost full but there may be a place still available. (Details are under the Painting Courses tab on our website) In 2021 we will most likely run a course at the Caer Beris Hotel in Builth Wells but we do not have any dates for that yet. Please don’t hesitate to contact me again if you would like more information.

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