African Wildlife & Environment Issue 82

FAUNA, FLORA & WILDLIFE

Robyn Ansell & Jeanne Tarrant

An established professional artist for more than a decade, Robyn is also a FGASA-trained field guide whose intimate knowledge of wild creatures and their habitats both informs and infuses her work. Her subjects range from the iconic, charismatic mega fauna of Africa to the smaller critters whose spaces we humans share. “I love representing the smaller, ‘lesser-known’ animals; the more secretive yet exceedingly charming and often overlooked creatures, which, to me, are the heart and soul of nature. I’ve painted a range of such creatures in acrylic, among them bushbaby, honey badger, mongoose, pangolin, chameleon, scrub hare, porcupine, dassie, and genet.” Passionate about wildlife and painting, KZN-based artist, Robyn Ansell creates exquisite artworks that celebrate Africa’s rich biodiversity, while also promoting conservationawareness.Describingher styleasadelicate balance between realism and creativity, Robyn says her works are all a direct expression of her ongoing love affair with the African wilderness. Frog Art

Birds have always been among her top favourites but now, with her delightful paintings of the five common frogs of KZN, amphibians have been added to this category. “These five species were my first introduction to painting amphibians. They were painted in acrylic on paper and have been made into a range of A4 prints, greeting cards, and gift tags in support of EWT’s threatened amphibian programme, and also to raise awareness of the vital role of frogs in our various ecosystems.” With Robyn’s work selling both nationally and internationally, she is showcasing our remarkable biodiversity on the global stage in a most appealing way. “One of my goals is that my work should resonate with those whose hearts connect with wild places.” For those who love Nature, what could be better than that? Dr Jeanne Tarrant Programme Manager, EWT Threatened Amphibian Programme JeanneT@ewt.org.za https://www.ewt.org.za/

23 | African Wildlife & Environment | Issue 82 (2022)