South African Wildlife Art by Mike Elliott. Artwork of elusive & endangered animals

Artist's Biography

The natural world has provided a rich and exciting pallet for Mike's African Wildlife Art during his journeys to over 20 countries in four continents.

The South African bush was the spark that ignited his serious painting in 1985 and, after visits to the Kalahari Desert, he became totally intoxicated by the African bushveld and those famed hunters, the Bushmen, who were to become his passion for fifteen years. A deep interest in the relationship between man and the environment was to emerge over this period, as was a concern for the many African endangered animals.

On his return to the UK in 2000, it was inevitable that Mike would be drawn to Scotland's diverse flora and fauna, rich landscape and large unspoiled tracts. Different from Africa in many respects, there are still a great many similarities. Difficult to explain but probably best described as "A closeness with the Earth".

Mike naturally gravitated towards the Raptors of the Scottish highlands, amongst many endangered animals who fortunately have a strong support base responsible for protection of wildlife and some great successes in the re-introduction of extinct species.

Scotland's history, culture, artists and industry, however, provide totally new dimensions to work with, encouraging the use of different mediums and approaches to his art. So much diversity required a new centre of focus, which the Tay river has handsomely provided.

Handsome is an apt word to describe this river, which rewards with ample material for wildlife art, views both stunning and tranquill, a history central to & as old as Scotland itself and the source of industrial and cultural revolutions that have helped to shape the world.

A Little History

Born in England in 1949, his family soon moved to Calgary, Canada, where his formative years were spent close to nature and the Native Americans.

Joining the Royal Air Force after his schooling ensured his travels continued through Europe. A period in the Middle East after the RAF added a different flavour and yet another country to a final tally of 7 where he has lived and worked.

Southern Africa became his home for 27 years. Undoubtedly a land of intrigue and extremes, this was a place where he felt a kinship with the people and concern for the environment. His pictures, a subtle fusion of Watercolor paintings and Pencil, had always been more than a visual creation. He embodied in them deeper emotions and feelings for a people deserving greater respect from the modern world.

His recent return to Scotland in 2000 was marked by dramatic changes. A need to get "close" to nature meant many glorious hours travelling the breadth (but not yet the length) of this beautiful country, and developing new ways of portraying the many facets of Scottish history, culture, landscape and wildlife.

Completely self taught, Mike's painting is refreshingly different . Working on new subjects and media in his Scottish studio, he frequently returns to African wildlife art to "feed the soul" and frequently reconnects with the fellow artists over there. Although embracing his new country, the African roots are very strong and he has no great desire to shake that dust from his boots.

Much of his art has been published in Corporate calendars, cards and magazines. Paintings can be found in many corporate collections including First National Bank Headquarters - Johannesburg, Mercedes Benz - Pretoria, Siemens - Johannesburg, Mannesman Demag - Johannesburg, Wits University, University of Cape Town, South African Embassies (including Dublin and Nairobi) and private collections spanning 25 countries.