This week we are back to one of my favourite artists – and I’m in good company, as Joel Kirk is allegedly one of Prince Charles’ favourite artists.
The painting this week is of a beautiful Bengal Tiger taking a drink from a watering hole. It is a stunning example of Kirk’s work.
He is an active wildlife artist and best known for the work that he has done over the years for three major conservation groups.
First, he got involved with The Dian Fossey Foundation of Gorillas In The Mist fame, now known as The Gorilla Organisation. He raised a huge amount of money for the foundation by donating paintings of gorillas to the foundation to raise much needed funds to secure the future of the wild Silverback Gorillas and many other species who were in danger of losing their habitats due to deforestation.
Second, he was heavily involved with The Born Free Foundation, the charitable trust set up by Joy Adamson to preserve the future of the great wild Big Cats of Africa.
He again supported their work by donating paintings of big cats.
Kirk claims Joy Adamson as one of the major influences on his life.
And he is a current member of and tireless campaigner for The Royal Society for Animal Protection.
Joel Kirk was born in Dorking in 1948 and showed a true painting talent from very early in his life dominating school painting competitions with his love of wildlife being his main subject matter. His father was in The Coldstream Guards and after he left the regiment the family moved to Leigh on Sea in Essex.
In 1972 Kirk was accepted into the Southend College of Art where he studied for three years.
Upon successful completion of his course he instantly became a full-time professional artist.
He was immediately picked up by various publishing houses who produced many limited edition and open prints of his stunning early wildlife art. This gave him a very solid start in his career which enabled him to travel the world to paint his beloved and varied wild animals.
This beautiful painting is a large pastel, Kirk’s favourite medium, of a stunning tiger taking a drink. The painting is almost photographic in its clarity and quality, one almost feels like stroking the tigers fur it is that realistic and accurate. The painting is mounted sympathetically and is glazed and in a modern gilded frame.
This painting is available to view and/or purchase in my art gallery in Holme Grange Craft Village. It is listed at £2,500.
Alternatively, we now offer a leasing arrangement, so this along with all of our paintings, can be rented for a small fixed monthly rental fee.
This piece, along with many other great works, is available to view, purchase or rent at AntiqArt, the “pre-loved art” gallery at Holme Grange Craft Village or online at www.antiqart.co.uk or call 0118 327 5421.
