Welcome to Ruth Baker Walton...
As a professional wildlife artist I paint under the name of Ruth Baker Walton. I am a Fellow and current President of The Wildlife Art Society International and exhibit regularly with their regional and national exhibitions.
In 2008 I was awarded the society’s top accolade “The Christopher Parsons Award for Artistic Excellence”. This award is presented for a portfolio of 4 specific paintings under a connecting theme.
My work, which is inspired by my annual trips to Africa, is mainly watercolour with some pastel and pencil work which I often combined with washes of water based media. With the need for individuality in wildlife art I recently began exploring the interaction between birds and animals in my compositions, with the bird taking pride of place. I have also combined wildlife subjects with human portraits and behaviour in a symbolic way. Most of my work recreates either the atmosphere or drama of a wildlife encounter. In some of my current work I have experimented with the use of monochrome for the majority of the painting with the focal point done in colour which then ‘bleeds’ into the main part of the work to avoid creating the effect of two separate pictures.
Although watercolour is not a medium favoured by most wildlife artists I enjoy it’s challenge and the wonderful unexpected results from using it wet into wet for some subjects. Although I endeavour to paint wildlife with realism and conviction I prefer to use subtle watercolour washes to suggest habitat and create atmosphere rather than attempt ‘photo realism’. However, for more detailed work I often combine it with pastel, pencil or watercolour pencils. I have been fortunate to visit Africa annually for over 15 years and this is where I get my reference and inspiration. All my paintings are based on real life events which I have witnessed.
Apart from the Wildlife Art Society exhibitions my work has been exhibited and sold through Sotheby’s Wildlife Art Auctions, Nature in Art, Northern Exhibition of Wildlife Art and various regional and national exhibitions. I regularly give illustrated talks about Africa and the inspiration for my work, hold workshops and have written articles for a number of travel/art magazines.
I have produced work to raise funds for conservation organisations and charities, including an auction on board the S.S. Great Britain in aid of Cystic Fibrosis. I support the RSPB and WWF and locally I have raised funds with exhibitions for Secret World Wildlife Rescue.
My work can be viewed on my web site at www.ruthbakerwalton.com
Making friends with my transport - one of a group of rescued elephants used for game rides in Zimbabwe.
A completely wild rhino, named Mukorah by the staff at Lewa Downs camp, which has become tolerant of people and can be approached with care.
Trying to keep hold of a beautiful but extremely strong python in Kenya. Most people thing snakes are cold and slippery but they are actually quite warm to the touch.