Bob Crook

I am a self - taught wildlife artist. Mostly working in acrylic on paper/canvas/board. Sometimes use other mediums: watercolour / gouache / ink / pencil. I also like to paint on objects such as rock/ slate / wood / metal / plastic.

From an early age i have always been interested in both wildlife and art.
My many influences include Roland Green; Robert Gilmore; Keith Shackleton; Chris Rose; Lars Jonsson; Keith Brockie; Terrence James Bond; Jason Partner ( a superb watercolourist, he kindly painted our school play backdrops for many years !).

For about thirty years i worked in nature conservation management for organisations such as RSPB; The National Trust; English Nature; and Broads Authority. In 2011, i left my position as Reserves Manager with Natural England, due to ill health, and, subsequently became a wildlife artist instead.

I am a keen birdwatcher/naturalist, and have a particular passion for seabirds. I am a self-confessed Larophile (someone who likes Gulls !).

Throughout my life and career, i have always drawn (pardon the pun) inspiration from my experiences and observations in the natural world. Even the briefest of encounters with wildlife often results in motivation to recreate such an experience with pencil and paint. This could result from a visit to a nature reserve, a walk along a beach, or just simply watching birds in the garden. I love detail, and can often get immersed for weeks on end in producing prickly brambles or reed stems, before actually painting in any bird or mammals !!
I often do painting demonstrations/workshops for local art groups/exhibitions/ and the public. I get a thrill from showing my artistry to others, and often learn much from others at such events. I always hope to inspire and move others to create artwork, just as many others have done for me over the years.