Catalogue note
Gary Stinton is a contemporary British artist renowned for his masterful pastel portraits of animals, particularly big cats. Based in Herefordshire, he combines anatomical precision with extraordinary sensitivity, portraying not only the physical presence of his subjects but also their individuality and spirit. He devotes extensive time to observing animals in zoos and sanctuaries, including The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent (UK), before returning to his studio to capture their essence with meticulous care.
Stinton began his professional career at twenty-four, initially focusing on canine portraiture before turning to the majestic subjects for which he is now best known. His chosen medium of pastel, with its soft, velvety surface, allows him to render fur and texture with striking realism. The artist’s aim is not to embellish but to allow the creature to “speak” for itself. As he reflects: “We can only hope to capture an impression, as the form and beauty of nature cannot be beaten by any artist. My portrait is very simple; for me to try and say more would not be necessary. Just let the tiger speak.”
This philosophy underpins his portrayal of the Amur tiger in the present work. Presented against a deep, dark ground, the animal’s power and quiet intensity are heightened, demanding the viewer’s full attention. Native to the Russian Far East and northeastern China, the Amur tiger is the largest of all tiger subspecies. Once on the brink of extinction, its population remains critically endangered, with only a few hundred surviving in the wild. Its rarity and vulnerability add poignancy to Stinton’s portrait, which becomes both a celebration of the animal’s grandeur and a reminder of what is at risk of being lost.
Beyond their aesthetic power, Stinton’s works highlight the urgent need for wildlife conservation. He is committed to environmentally conscious practice and uses only archival, non-toxic materials. Represented by Jonathan Cooper for over 25 years, his paintings are held in public and private collections worldwide.