Ruth Searle

My art and photography explores the connection I have with nature and animals…

When I create a picture of an animal, I start with the eyes of my subject. When we look into the eyes of another being, we see their soul. My greatest passion in life is nature and animals. Whether I am drawing the whales I've study as a marine biologist or the many animals I’ve been close to, I feel connected to my subjects when I paint and photograph them.

My recent work explores nature through abstract paintings on natural materials, including reclaimed Welsh slate and rustic wood. I choose colours that reflect natural elements such as copper, silver, gold and the blues and greens of the natural world, with hints of vibrant sunsets. I love the freedom of creativity when working in abstracts - it contrasts with the more detailed work I've done previously, although I always enjoy painting and drawing animals.

I’ve sold my whale paintings around the world to fund my humpback whale research. I’ve exhibited my art from boats in the middle of the Atlantic to the Senedd in Cardiff – home of the Welsh Assembly government, exhibited in hospitals, churches, various arts fairs and hold open studio events. I've undertaken commissions for charity cards ...

PhD in Humpback Whale Ecology and Behaviour
BSc (Hons) Marine Biology

I am self-taught artist but have also taken courses in art at the Open College of the Arts and ceramics at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

I have sold my art around the world and exhibited in the Caribbean, Tonga and the UK. Recently I have held exhibitions in Monmouthshire, and at the Sennedd in Cardiff and at Neville Hall Hospital, Abergavenny.

More exhibitions coming up...