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
My Approach to Painting
Oil paintings of wildlife and landscapes in a representational style. Original artworks which are creative and yet based on detailed observation and research.
A painter of both mammals and birds Martin Ridley has spent much time developing a knowledge of the field, which is clearly reflected in his work. Combined with conceptual composition his attention to animal behaviour, habitat detail and lighting creates an amazingly accurate and artistic record of his nature encounters. Particular attention is given to integrating his subjects into their natural habitat. Any featured rocks and branches are likely to be given as much attention as the animal content. He prefers to depict the wildlife in a setting that records the “whole” experience of an encounter and the “whole” may be more about the moody landscape than the focal point of a deer placed carefully to offer scale.
Patterns found within nature hold a particular attraction and are often a key feature within his work. Martin derives much of his satisfaction in the studio by exploring the possibilities of composition. The rendering of weather conditions to create atmospheric situations then enhances this compositional creativity.
Many paintings carry a narrative which take them beyond a more straightforward depiction. Inspirations vary enormously, one painting might be capturing the dramatic action and movement of complex animal behaviours, the next simply portraying an animal in serene surroundings.
Field Observation
Inspirations are principally collected during extensive periods of fieldwork when Martin tends to concentrate his observations on one species at a time enabling him to attain an in-depth understanding of behaviour. This has involved activities such as going out in the snow at 4.30am to watch displaying black grouse from a portable hide and nightly visits to badgers and foxes resulting in their eventual habituation to his presence.
Why I Paint
I feel exceptionally fortunate to have found my vocation early in life and to have spent so many years painting. As a full-time professional artist, I can scarcely believe I have now completed more than 750 original paintings.
It is a career full of challenges, but I would not swap it for anything. I continue to draw creative stimulation from the natural world, and the time I spend outdoors observing wildlife and landscape brings me immense enjoyment.
If there is an added dividend, I hope it is that my paintings encourage others to appreciate, experience and help protect the beautiful natural environments that inspire my work.
Celebrating over 35 years
of painting
Studio / Gallery Visits
Visits are welcome by appointment. Over fifty framed originals and prints on show. An hour’s notice is appreciated where possible.
Follow My Work
Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.
Keep in Touch
Receive occasional updates on new paintings, available originals, exhibitions and field notes.
Just a few emails each year.