Winner of The Artist Editor's Choice Award in the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year competition 2022, Annabel Thornton captures the character of an animal juxtaposed with unique backgrounds of pattern and texture. Sometimes the subject cannot immediately be seen; the audience must participate to spot a creature in its habitat, similar to the experience of being at the zoo.
With a bold and often daring use of colour, coupled with a graphical treatment of the canvas, Annabel serves to set the tone and atmosphere of the piece whilst drawing attention to specific details, stirring the emotions of the viewer. Working mainly in acrylics and charcoal, Annabel will occasionally work over the acrylics in oils and, depending on the subject matter and the required effect, she might use collage. With a firm understanding of her medium she employs both traditional and contemporary techniques, to reinforce