Wildlife artist Rosemary Conroy paints bold, expressive and engaging portraits of endangered animals. To see more of her wonderful art, please visit her website.

“Gratitude Series: Black Bear I” Acrylic on Yupo Paper, 35” x 23”
Before I became a full-time artist, I worked in the conservation field for many years. In addition to being communications director for a non-profit land trust, I also wrote a nature column and recorded a bi-weekly natural history radio program for our local public radio station. I am passionate about birds and wildlife and want to ensure that there is enough room for them in this world.

“Gratitude Series: Cougar” Acrylic on Yupo Paper, 35” x 23”
My artwork is just the latest way I advocate for wild creatures. Through my portrayals of individual animals, I hope to get my viewers to consider, connect with, and consequently care about what happens to them.

“Gratitude Series: Lion IV” Acrylic on Yupo Paper, 35” x 23”
I just started a new series that expresses my gratitude for wild creatures —especially the more endangered ones. If animals like lions, tigers, and polar bears go extinct in our lifetime (which I pray won’t EVER happen), I want to express my deep gratitude for them having been part of our world. I literally embed my words of thanks into the artwork. Sometimes the words are obscured, or read like an aura around the animal.

“Gratitude Series: Grizzly Bear III” Acrylic on Yupo Paper, 35” x 23”
This is my way of counteracting my despair over what is happening to the natural world. At the very least, I can honor the animals this way. They deserve it. There will never be anything like a tiger or a lion or an elephant again. We can’t let them pass from this world without somehow acknowledging that.

“Gratitude Series: Tiger II” Acrylic on Yupo Paper, 35” x 23”
How beautiful, abundant, and amazing this world is — nature gives me such endless joy and inspiration. I am always surprised that some people don’t even notice it! But I do — I notice it all — it’s both a blessing and a curse.

“Gratitude Series: Lion III” Acrylic on Yupo Paper, 35” x 23”
A blessing when I hear birds singing that no one else does, but also a curse as when I observe a road-killed turtle or frog. I feel each tiny death — I just can’t help it. It occurred to me that perhaps I was given this power of observation, this attunement to nature, for a reason.

“Gratitude Series: Polar Bear” Acrylic on Yupo Paper, 35” x 23”
So my job now is to celebrate the beauty, power and mystery of the natural world. That is my mission, my dharma if you will. And now with this new series, I am raising awareness of all that we are in danger of losing.

“Gratitude Series: Lioness II” Acrylic on Yupo Paper, 35” x 23”
It gives me hope when people respond so powerfully to my work. I believe that having a deep affinity for animals is an essential part of being human. Modern life seems to discount this connection but I know that it enriches us all on so many levels. Sometimes we just need a reminder; I hope my art can serve that role.
Artist Rosemary Conroy invites you to follow her on Facebook.
These paintings have such a rich glow about them, Rosemary. I love that you are honoring these animals in this way.
Thanks so much! Paula
Powerful work!
Yay — glad you think so Rachel!
Your work is so great, and so inspiring. I too feel that sometimes I feel too much, I didn’t consider that I might be like this for a reason, and I should explore that. Thank you for the advocating you do for these amazing creatures.
There must be a reason why we were given this power… I hope you can find a way to make it serve you and your life too.
Just found your work . Really beautiful. You capture the animals perfectly.
Thanks so much Ria! I appreciate you saying so. : >