Grey Cube Gallery proudly presents the fifth Animals online art show for the month of February 2024. The show encompassed a range of artistic styles and mediums (oil on canvas, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, charcoal, scratchboard, colored pencil, alcohol ink, egg tempera, photography, digital). Each submission has been judged based on the following elements of artistic expression: orginality and quality of art, overall design, creativity, interpretation of the theme, demonstration of artistic ability and usage of medium. Out of all entries, 133 artworks were shortlisted for inclusion in the show. The competition attracted entries from many countries across the world: USA, Canada, Taiwan, Norway, Australia, Japan, Chech Republic, Spain and Hungary. Enjoy the show and thank you for expressing an interest in our competition.

I am an Australian based International award winning wildlife artist. I paint using Windsor and Newton oils on birch board. My work leans towards close up wildlife portraits. I have had my work published in more than 200 book titles and published in over 60 languages world wide. My book sales total well over 5 million books.

Unleashing the power of black and white artistry, I am Steve Hammond, a proud Signature Scratchboard Artist (SSA) of the renowned International Society of Scratchboard Artists. With every stroke, I breathe life into intricate details and capture the essence of people and animals in a mesmerizing way. My journey as an artist has been fueled by passion, dedication, and an unyielding pursuit of perfection. Armed with a scratchboard as my canvas and a sharp tool as my instrument, I create masterpieces that transcend boundaries. My art is not for the faint-hearted. It delves into difficult subject matters, exploring the depths of human emotions and the untamed beauty of wildlife. Through my work, I aim to evoke powerful emotions within each viewer, leaving an indelible mark on their souls. The recognition bestowed upon me as an award-winning artist has been humbling. It serves as a testament to my unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in this captivating medium.

My love for nature and respect for its different moods began in Coastal Georgia where I was born. Feeling the need to capture it in another form, my creative journey began. My style reflects my belief that life needs to be celebrated with whimsy and attitude. I use the flow of lines and surface patterns to create positive and negative spaces in my sculpture. This creates movement and balance between the parts. I create with the hope that my work will bring a smile to the viewer- happiness is a very strong positive force. I believe that sculpture in general reaches out to people on an emotional level. It addresses two of our senses without even trying- sight and the sense of touch.

Stephen is a native Virginian who works in finance and accounting and is a licensed CPA in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Ever since he was a little boy, Stephen was fascinated by airplanes and enjoyed art. After graduating college, Stephen joined the Marine Corps and was commissioned a 2ndLt. The Marines gave him the opportunity to become a Marine aviator, and in November of 1998, Stephen earned his wings of gold and went on to fly CH-46E helicopters. After leaving the Marine Corps, Stephen began focusing his efforts on developing his art, and eventually became a member of the American Society of Aviation Artists (ASAA). Stephen also enjoys painting landscapes and seascapes. He is a Fellow of the ASAA, member of the American Society of Marine Artists, and contributing member of the Coast Guard Art Program. Stephen's works can be seen in squadron spaces, private collections, the collection of the National Naval Aviation Museum, and in the United States Capitol Building. Stephen’s work alternates between aviation and landscape/seascape and figurative paintings. Aviation subjects allow him to create dynamic compositions with geometric forms and line, while non-aviation subjects offer a chance to work with more organic forms and a broader palette of visual textures. Stephen tries to strike a balance between technical, visual, emotional, and, when applicable, accuracy. By balancing all of these elements, the necessary information can be presented to fully describe a place or event, while at the same time infusing a painting with the life and emotion to give the viewer a more visceral experience. A majority of Stephen’s work is created in oils, and he finds that medium to best express himself using techniques of impressionistic realism.