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Tips for Collecting Wildlife and Animal Art

A Collector’s Safari: Tips for Selecting and Collecting Meaningful Wildlife, Animal, and Pet Art


Welcome, art connoisseurs and wildlife enthusiasts! Wild Heart Gallery (WHG) invites you into our captivating world of collecting art that celebrates the beauty of the wild and the companionship of animals. In this blog post, we offer valuable tips on selecting and collecting meaningful pieces for your art collection.


crane painting by Christine O'Dell-Ferguson
by Christine O'Dell-Ferguson

1. Discover Your Passion and Theme

If you are new to animal art, take a moment to reflect on your passions and interests within wildlife, animal, and pet art. Whether it’s the majestic allure of wild animals, the charm of pets, or the intricate details of animal behavior, identifying your specific theme will guide your collection towards pieces that resonate with you on a personal level.


2. Research and Explore Artists

Immerse yourself in the works of various artists specializing in wildlife, animal, and pet art. Wild Heart Gallery is here to help! We show a wide variety of artists that cross genres and art styles. Our focus is on artists and photographers creating wildife, animal, and pet art today. 


When you find a piece of art you enjoy, take note of the artist’s name so that you can

  • Easily pop it into the search field at the top of WHG’s website to get links to all our exhibitions that artist is in.

  • Head to our Contact page and ask for more information. WHG keeps a database of contact info for our exhibition participants. We are happy to help get artists get in touch!

  • Follow our Instagram page to find and follow our artists. We do our best to include social media handles in our award-winning artwork posts.


3. Understand Artistic Techniques

Familiarize yourself with different artistic techniques employed in wildlife, animal, and pet art. Whether it’s realistic portrayals, abstract interpretations, or mixed media creations, understanding these techniques will deepen your appreciation for the diverse expressions within this genre. This knowledge will guide your choices when building your collection.


WHG is working on informative posts about a selection of the art genres we show.



4. Connect with the Story Behind the Artwork

Each piece of wildlife, animal, or pet art carries a unique narrative. Delve into the story behind the artwork–the artist’s inspiration, the creative process, and the emotions evoked by the subject. Connecting with the story adds layers of meaning to the piece and enhances its significance within your collection.


Our top award winners in each exhibition will have additional information available in the virtual gallery.

For more information about any of the artwork and photography we exhibit, feel free to reach out to us with the artist’s name so that we can put you in touch.


dog portrait by Destiney Hett
by Destiney Hett

5. Consider the Artwork’s Emotional Impact

Art has the power to evoke emotions. When selecting pieces for your collection, consider the emotional impact they have on you. Whether it’s a sense of awe, joy, or contemplation, choose artworks that resonate with your emotions. These pieces will not only enrich your living space but also become cherished companions in your daily life.


Animal art, in particular, has the power of connection. It resonates with so many of us and has a tendency to improve mood. 


In addition to the undeniable connection of animals in art, color has a direct impact as well. When choosing art for your home, office, or public space, consider what colors draw you in and how they make you feel. 


6. Support Emerging Artists

Explore the work of emerging artists in the wildlife, animal, and pet art scene. Supporting emerging talents not only adds a dynamic and fresh perspective to your collection but also contributes to the growth of artists at the beginning of their careers. Keep an eye on local art scenes, online platforms (like this one!), and exhibitions to discover hidden gems.


The artwork of our exhibition participants and jurors at Wild Heart Gallery ranges from emerging to mid-career to established animal artists. These artists are ready to be discovered and treasured by collectors.


owl sculpture by Kat McDonough
by Kat McDonough

7. Explore Various Mediums

Wildlife, animal, and pet art can manifest in diverse mediums, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and more. Embrace variety in your collection by exploring different mediums. The versatility of art forms allows you to curate a dynamic and visually engaging display that reflects the richness of the natural world.


WHG’s shows are a shining example of how different art mediums can play off of and enhance each other. We strive to put together virtual exhibitions that are cohesive in their diversity. Photography, assemblage, print making, watercolor, mixed media, fiber arts, and more come together to make our shows. Combining all these mediums and textures in real life can make for a luxurious art experience.


8. Engage with Art Communities

Connect with art communities, galleries, and exhibitions showcasing wildlife and animal art. Engaging with these communities, both online and in real life, not only broadens your exposure to artists but also provides opportunities to learn about the context and cultural significance of the artworks. Attend events, meet artists, and share your passion with like-minded collectors.


For our part, we would love to connect you with our artists so that you can follow their social media feeds, see their artwork in person, and spread the word about the work they do. Each of our award winners is posted on our main social media feeds. We do our best to include social media handles and artist website links for each. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for easy access to our roster of artists' online outlets.



Elephant paintings by Sarah Soward
by Sarah Soward

9. Curate a Thoughtful Display

As your collection grows, curate a thoughtful and cohesive display. Consider the placement and arrangement of artworks to create a harmonious visual narrative. The arrangement can enhance the storytelling aspect of your collection, allowing each piece to complement and resonate with the others.


There are so many options for how to place art! Consider whether you prefer the style of a gallery wall or want one large work to inhabit a wall. In general, a good starting point for hanging art is for it to take up no more than 2/3 of the wall. Make sure sculpture is placed in such a way that it is not at risk of falling. A little museum putty is great to keep sculptures in place.


A Gallery of Personal Expression


In the realm of wildlife, animal, and pet art, collecting is more than acquiring pieces—it’s curating a gallery of personal expression. Each artwork is a story of your appreciation for the natural world and the companionship of animals. Let your collection be a testament to the beauty of our wild world of animal art. Happy collecting!

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