Wildlife Paintings by Carl Whitfield

Carl Whitfield is an award-winning contemporary British painter who specializes in wildlife and traditional farmyard scenes, renowned for his exceptional attention to detail and ability to bring nature to life on canvas.

He is completely self-taught and has developed a highly sought-after style that focuses on realism and vibrant color.

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Key Features of Carl Whitfield's Wildlife Paintings

1. Hyperrealism and Fine Detail

The signature of Whitfield's work is his meticulous, photo-quality detail. He is considered a true champion of hyperrealist wildlife art. He closely studies his subjects—from the intricate patterns of feathers to the texture of fur—to achieve rigorous precision and remarkable depth. His goal is to not just paint an animal, but to capture its individual character and spirit.

2. Medium and Technique

• Medium: He primarily uses oil paint, often on a smaller scale, which allows him to concentrate on the fine, miniaturist details that define his style. He occasionally uses watercolors as well, noted for capturing the fluidity of movement.

• Color Palette: His paintings are characterized by intense, rich, and vibrant tones, which add to the sense of realism and charm in his work. He is known to work from a limited palette of just eight oil colors, mixing every shade he needs.

3. Subject Matter

While his repertoire includes both indigenous British wildlife and traditional farmyard animals, he has a particular passion for:

• British Wildlife: Common subjects include mice, red squirrels, foxes, hedgehogs, various birds (such as robins, kingfishers, and barn owls), and other countryside creatures.

• Farmyard Animals: He is often cited as a leading painter of chickens, but also depicts ducks and other farm scenes.

• Still Life: Occasionally, he applies his stunning three-dimensional quality and detail to still-life subjects.

4. Artistic Background and Influence

Born in Yorkshire in 1958, Whitfield initially pursued commercial management before returning to painting as his life's work. His initial artistic career involved award-winning airbrush art on motorcycles and cars, which helped hone his keen eye for detail before he transitioned fully to oil painting.

He cites eminent English artists like John Atkinson Grimshaw, Edgar Hunt, and John Frederick Herring Sr. as his main influences, sharing their devotion to realistic detail and traditional subject matter.

His work is highly collected both in the UK and internationally.