Craig Bone , Wildlife Ultra-Realism

Born in 1955 in Salisbury, Rhodesia, Craig Bone's earlist artistic inclinations were evidenced by cartoon drawings of his grade school teachers. Craig studied graphic design at Natal University in South Africa before returning to his homeland to begin a military career in 1977. While a member of Rhodesia's Light Infantry, Craig painted vivid scenes of combat. A severe war injury forced his retirement and resulted in a decision to pursue painting full time.

Inspired by a trip into the Zambezi Valley bushveld, Craig began to paint African wildlife in their native habitat. In his signature style of meticulous realism, Craig offers the viewer a magical encounter with elusive animals and a fleeting glimpse of Africa.

Craig is a fearless outdoorsman, conservationist, and celebrated artist who frequently treks to the not-so-tame primal bush of southern Africa where he spends countless hours observing, sketching, and photographing wildlife.

Craig's adventures could fill a novel. He has hidden from lions in a \"boma\" for days and nights, waiting to get the right sketch or photograph; been charged by rogue elephants; and hidden behind trees from testy rhinos. The savage reality of these escapades is captured in his work, as is the solitary experience and undiluted essence of the artist coming to face-to-face with the wild magnificence that is Africa.

It has been said that Craig's paintings capture the soul of the animal. His extraordinary paintings have earned him international acclaim, and his exhibits have drawn rave reviews in Africa, Europe, and the United States. He has illustrated several books that celebrate the diverse landscape of Africa. Craig Bone's work is represented in musuems and galleries worldwide, and is a must for serious art collectors.

The Craig Bone Gallery