Alex McGarry

Growing up in rural Hampshire has given outstanding young wildlife artist Alex McGarry the perfect situation for observing the animal kingdom in all its variety and wonder. She says: “Just walking out of the front door brings so much inspiration for the subjects that I work with.” Her first love is British wildlife, as no two animals are ever the same. Even two hares which seem indistinguishable reveal differences of markings and expression when seen close up, and this, she says, makes every painting feel like a first.

Although it is hugely important to Alex to view her subjects in their natural habitat, painting them outdoors is impossible, as the observation must often be done at speed. She takes her sketchbook and camera with her on every trip and has honed her ability to draw at speed in a manner of visual note taking. With her camera at the ready, she has become adroit at photographing even the speediest or most secretive of animals to build up a series of impressions. Farmyards are easier, and when she is creating a portfolio of material she will often take paints with her to get some initial thoughts down. Her favourite place is an RSPB nature reserve in Wiltshire where an old, disused railway track has evolved into the most tranquil and beautiful haven for birds and wildlife – the perfect place for an inspirational walk.

Alex describes her distinctive style as painterly realism; although her work is traditional in terms of subject and interpretation, the overall style and background establishes them clearly as contemporary pieces. While she aims for realism and accuracy, her intention is never to create a photographic representation, but rather an artist’s homage, with clearly visible brushstrokes and texture. After an expedition, Alex takes all the material she has gathered back to her studio and works on the basic composition and outline. Then referring closely to her photographs, she creates the finer details and mixes and hones the correct shades. She paints exclusively in oils and always has done, loving the creamy consistency of the paint and the depth of colour that can be achieved, then finishes each piece with a gloss varnish.

Although she had no formal training in art, Alex is the daughter of renowned wildlife artist Pip McGarry, and spent her early life immersed in natural history and painting. Her father offered guidance and advice, but most importantly, instilled a love of the animal kingdom in his daughter. At nine years old he set her up with some brushes and paints and her first ever painting was of a baby deer, setting the tone for a future career as a wildlife artist early on.

Alex joined a local art society and went on to pursue a successful career as an Interior Designer. She continued to paint in her spare time and found that the pieces she was creating were in great demand amongst family and friends. This gave her the confidence to set up her own studio in Hampshire and fulfill a lifelong dream of being a professional artist. Since then her paintings have been exhibited and sold in galleries across the UK and we are delighted to add them to our portfolio.

Alex has won several awards including best in show: chosen by the general public, at Mottisfont Abbey, Hampshire from over 200 exhibits. She was crowned winner of the prestigious Fine Art Trade Guild's national award for Up and Coming Artist of the Year 2019, and in 2023 she was appointed Artist in Residence at The Hawk Conservancy Trust which promotes education, protection and conservation of birds of prey in the UK and abroad.