Sarah with Clifford the Tiger, acrylic on board, 24x24in

Contemporary wildlife artist Sarah Taylor shares the story behind her vibrant, personality-filled animal paintings and the creative process.

Based in the English Lake District, Taylor discusses how her signature style blends energetic paint splashes, hand-drawn geometric patterns, and lifelike animal expressions to create artwork that feels joyful, playful, and deeply expressive. She reflects on the importance of connection through art, her fascination with capturing emotion through the eyes of animals, and her belief that bold colour can transform both a room and a mood. The interview offers an inspiring glimpse into an artist whose work celebrates freedom, instinct, and unapologetic love for the natural world.

Creative mindset and inspiration

You often talk about instinct and flow - how much does intuition influence each painting, and how do you recognise when a piece is “finished”? 
I never plan anything about what a painting will look like aside from the fact that it will represent a real animal. It's all instinct and intuition. I like to bounce from one splash to another to and pattern here and back to a splash, it doesn't look logical to anyone watching, but I just get a feeling of what to do next, and what the painting needs. I know the painting is finished when if feels balanced, sometimes I look at the painting in a mirror to check if it's finished, and you get an immediate yes or no from the reflection.

Many of your works feature animals from both British wildlife and more exotic species. What draws you to a particular animal as a subject?
Without a doubt; the expression on their face. I've got to get that connection going in the painting, that's what I love. So the animals need to be looking at me, with an expression that makes me feel something, or gives an insight into their character. Any special markings or messy hair attract me too, but nothing too perfect! 

Billy Badger, acrylic on board, 24x24in

You mention making “art that makes you smile.” How important is emotional impact for you when creating and finishing a painting?
The emotional connection is what makes my paintings. One of the most special things is connection with animals, whether out in the wild or with our pets. Our pets are a different level of course, but sometimes I think how amazing it would be if you could interact and communicate with a stag or a tiger as easily as with your own dog? That's partly the feeling I get from painting these inaccessible animals, that they become close and almost feel like friends. (haha)

Audience & connection

Your pieces often feel like personalities rather than portraits. How important is it to you that collectors feel a personal connection with your work? 
I think it's super important to buy art that you love, that you connect with, rather than something that matches your curtains. If a collector falls in love with a piece of art and hangs it in their home, every time they see it, they will feel something. With these animal paintings they bring a spark of joy. I take commissions too, there are lots of dogs out there painted in my style now. ( over 80 and counting!) And these portraits really move people, especially when the pet is no longer with them, if feels like they are still with them, their personality and energy bouncing out of the painting. It's that feeling of unconditional love. The painting feels so much like their dog that they get that hit of unconditional  love every time they see the painting.

Do you find that certain animals, horns, eyes, fur patterns - present unique challenges or opportunities in your style?
Haha great question! I wouldn't say challenges, but opportunities for sure! Sometimes a particular texture will help me create a new geometric pattern, something just right for that animal. 

Sarah with Oscar the Stag, acrylic on board, 24x24in

As a Lake District-based artist, does nature and being outdoors feed directly into your creative process? In what ways?
Oh yeah for sure. I love being outdoors on the fells, or in the lakes. The colours you see, the power of the weather and the energy you feel when you're out in the wild makes me feel alive. When I come back into the studio after a walk I'm buzzing to get painting, the energy flows and paintings come alive. The most special times are when you come across wildlife whilst out and about, it's just amazing , on of the most magical feelings. The first stag I painted was in response to meeting some deer in a wood after a particularly shitty day at work. That encounter led me to hand my notice in and take the leap of faith to do this full time.

Looking ahead

Are there new subjects, mediums or creative directions you’re excited to explore next?
I'm working on a wolf painting at the moment, which I'm loving. She's filling me with a real strength and creative power, so I'm excited to see where she takes me! I'm keen to do some work with animal charities, to highlight their work, and feature the endangered animals we need to protect.

Sarah working in her studio

What advice would you give to emerging artists looking to develop their own distinctive style in animal painting?
Oh my gosh, yes! There is nothing ( in my humble opinion) more important than finding you own style. If you copy other people, you will never feel fulfilled because you'll always be chasing what someone else has done, rather than letting yourself paint. 

• Don't be afraid to express yourself, rather than make what you think people want to see. 
• Have fun and play, that's where the magic happens.
• Don't be precious.

Find out more about Sarah's art on her website.