For over 35 years I have painted wildlife and landscapes inspired by direct observation in the field. From black grouse leks before dawn to countless hours watching deer, badgers and birds, my work is rooted in first-hand experience of the natural world.
As a professional I’ve completed more than 750 catalogued original paintings reaching audiences through exhibitions, publications, commercial licensing and private collections. My work has been recognised through major art awards, international exhibitions, books, magazines and collaborative projects ranging from conservation publishing to fashion and interior design with artwork held in private collections around the world.
Wildlife & Landscape Paintings
Artist Studio & Gallery in Pitlochry
29 Toberargan Road
Pitlochry
Perth & Kinross
PH16 5HG
Martin has worked as a professional wildlife artist since 1989 and his home and studio are now located in Pitlochry.
When asked what inspires him Martin simply answers “the natural world”. An enthusiastic observer of nature he thoroughly enjoys the creative challenge of capturing his experiences.
International Recognition Through Stella McCartney Collaboration
In 2018 one of Martin’s red deer paintings was licensed by the fashion brand Stella McCartney and incorporated into a shirt worn by Justin Timberlake during the Super Bowl halftime show.
The design was subsequently included in Timberlake’s Man of the Woods world tour wardrobe, bringing Martin’s artwork to an audience of over 100 million worldwide and generating international media coverage.
Martin Ridley Artwork Featured in
Justin Timberlake’s Super Bowl Performance
Recognition & Career Highlights
Deer: Artist’ Impressions
Martin was selected as the cover artist for Deer: Artists’ Impressions, published by Quiller Press and featuring contributions from a number of Britain’s leading wildlife artists.
In addition to providing the cover artwork, Martin was invited to write a chapter for the book, sharing his experiences and inspiration for painting deer in the wild.
The publication features a foreword by HRH The Prince of Wales (now King Charles III) and celebrates the diversity of artistic approaches to Britain’s deer species.
Art College Training
Graduated with distinction for Wildlife Illustration from Carmarthenshire College of Technology and Art in 1988. Martin was awarded not only Course Student of the Year, but Faculty and College Student of the Year.
Art Awards
At The Wildlife Art Society’s 1995 Exhibition at the Westminster Galleries in London, Martin was awarded :
- Best Painting in Show
- Best Oil Painting
- Best Newcomer
In 1997 he was a finalist in the Laing Landscape and Seascape Competition and in the following year two paintings were selected as finalists in the touring Nature in Art exhibition.
Canadian Hospitality Design Project
“Out of the Forest” was selected by a Calgary architectural practice as the inspiration for a major hospitality interior design project in Banff, Alberta. The image formed the basis of a large-scale wall artwork concept intended to spanning the restaurant dining space.
Exhibition Venues & Galleries
Martin has exhibited widely throughout the UK and internationally, while increasingly selling original paintings directly from his studio in Pitlochry and through his website.
Highlights include:
- Selected for the prestigious Birds in Art exhibition at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, USA (1999), with the painting subsequently chosen to tour.
- Artist in Residence at Nature in Art, Gloucestershire, on nine occasions.
- Two successful solo exhibitions at the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge.
- Prior to relocation, an associate Member of the Society of Wildlife Artists, exhibiting with the society.
Selected galleries and exhibition venues:
- Nature in Art, Gloucestershire
- Artists For Conservation
- Tryon Gallery, London
- The House of Bruar Gallery
- The Perthshire Gallery
- Strathearn Gallery, Crieff
- RSPB Vane Farm, Loch Leven
- John Noott Galleries, Worcestershire
- Nigel Stacy-Marks Gallery, Perth
Martin also exhibits at The Scottish Game Fair and selected country fairs and wildlife events around the UK.
Publications
Martin’s paintings have appeared in numerous books, magazines, conservation and art publications. They feature in many calendars, as cards, prints, stamps and on many other products.
Selected publications and commissions include:
Magazines
- BBC Wildlife Magazine
- The Field
- Country Life
- Wildlife Art (USA)
- Deer – Journal of the British Deer Society
- The Artist
- Heritage
Books
- Artists for Conservation (book)
- The Best of Wildlife Art (book)
- Best of Worldwide Wildlife Artists (book)
- Falconry by Juan Antonio Izquierdo Reinosa (Luxury two volume leather-bound edition)
Other Publications
- Magazine covers for the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust.
- RSPB Calendars
Studio / Gallery Visits
Visits are welcome by appointment. Over fifty framed originals and prints on show. An hour’s notice is appreciated where possible.
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