Where the Wild Things Inspire My Art by Kris Curran

As an artist, I often get asked the same question: “Where do you get your ideas?” The answer is simple and complex all at once—wildlife inspires me. But the real story lies in how deeply connected I feel to the animals I draw and paint. Whether it’s the piercing gaze of a lone wolf, the vibrant colors of a tropical parrot, or the quiet strength of an elephant herd—each piece I create starts with a moment of awe, curiosity, or connection.

Growing Up Wild

I was born in Alberta, Canada, surrounded by nature from an early age. The outdoors was my playground, and animals were always present—whether in real life, in storybooks, or as characters I would sketch as a kid. Long before I ever picked up a tattoo machine or sold my first print, I was drawing foxes, bears, birds, and anything else I could imagine. That childhood love for nature never left me—it only grew.

A New Vision

After losing vision in my left eye due to a freak accident following eye surgery, I had to walk away from a 16-year career as a tattoo artist. That loss shook me. But in time, art found its way back into my life—this time in a new form. Wildlife became both my subject and my therapy. When I draw animals now, I’m not just capturing their shape—I’m connecting to their spirit. Each piece reminds me that beauty, resilience, and instinct live not only in the wild, but in all of us.

The Power of Presence

One of the greatest sources of inspiration for me is watching animals just be. There’s no ego, no agenda. A bear doesn’t pretend to be anything other than a bear. A hawk soars because that’s what it was made to do. That purity, that raw truth, drives me to draw with the same honesty.

Sometimes I find ideas through reference photos or documentaries. Other times, it's just the memory of a glance—how a deer looked up from the forest floor or the way moonlight hit an owl’s wing. It’s in those quiet, fleeting moments that creativity sparks.

Mood, Motion & Mystery

I’m especially drawn to emotion in wildlife. Not just how an animal looks, but how it feels. A lone wolf howling at night doesn’t need words to express longing. A playful pup chasing its tail radiates joy. My goal is to bring those emotions to life on paper or canvas—so when someone looks at my art, they feel the story too.

Moonlight plays a big role in a lot of my work as well. There’s something magical about pairing an animal with the mystery and softness of night. It adds mood, stillness, and sometimes even a sense of fantasy.

Nature Never Runs Out

The beauty of wildlife art is that inspiration is truly endless. There’s always a new creature, a different angle, a hidden moment waiting to be captured. From the tiniest hummingbird to the power of a lion’s roar, the wild world is a bottomless well of creativity—and I feel lucky every day that I get to dip into it.

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Final Thoughts

At Curran Artworks, every animal I draw comes from a place of love and respect for the natural world. My hope is that when you see my art—whether it’s a hand-drawn wolf, a parrot bursting with color, or a gentle bear cub—you’re reminded of how wild and beautiful this planet really is.

Thank you for following my journey, and for bringing a little piece of the wild into your home.

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Explore the Wild:
Visit the Curran Artworks Shop for original, downloadable wildlife art.

Stay Inspired:
Follow me on Instagram and Facebook @CurranArtworks to see new animal illustrations, behind-the-scenes sketching, and upcoming releases.