About Angus Gardner
Angus Gardner is a contemporary British artist based in the North East of England. Born in Newcastle, he grew up with a rich mix of cultural influences — a Scottish-Irish father and a Sicilian-Maltese mother. From his father, he inherited a dry wit. From his mother, a passionate Mediterranean spirit. Both traits are easy to spot in his art.
A Lifelong Love of Art and Animals
Angus has been drawing, painting, or sculpting for as long as he can remember. One of his earliest memories is from when he was eight. Over a single weekend, he transformed his bedroom into a mural of life-sized Marvel Avengers — much to the surprise of his parents. One wall remained untouched, only because it housed a full-sized aviary filled with Zebra Finches. His love for animals was clear even then.
From New York to North Yorkshire
In 1990, Angus graduated with a degree in Graphic and Audio Visual Design. He moved to New York City to begin his career, first working as an art teacher, then as a graphic designer for a Madison Avenue investment bank.
By 1992, homesickness brought him back to the North East of England. He worked as an animator and video director across the UK, Europe, and the Far East. Later, he moved into advertising and visual design. Over the past 20 years, he has built a successful career as a graphic artist, illustrator, and designer. His clients include major brands such as Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Fenwick, Fortnum & Mason, and The Secret Garden.
You may have seen his work on luxury packaging or product designs without realising it was his. His illustrations appear on everything from Harvey Nichols gift wrap to Fortnum & Mason collaborations.
Life on the Farm
Today, Angus lives on a working 600-acre farm that borders the North Yorkshire Moors. He shares it with his wife, stepdaughter, horses, hens, cats, and his loyal German Shepherd, Obi. The land and its wildlife are a constant source of inspiration.
His debut painting series features animals he’s spotted while out walking with Obi. His wife, Pea, affectionately calls him “Bird Nerd” and “Nature Boy.” Their countryside walks often turn into wildlife-watching expeditions.
A Unique Painting Style
Angus paints in acrylics. His style often blends realism with personality and humour. He enjoys drawing out the unique quirks and character of each animal. His work invites viewers to see familiar wildlife in a new and imaginative way. Some paintings include subtle social commentary or personal stories woven into the setting.
How the Work Comes to Life
“Most of my ideas come while I’m out walking with Obi,” Angus says.
“I might see pheasants dancing during mating season, hares boxing at sunrise, or swallows dive-bombing in summer. Even the robin that rules my garden gives me ideas.”
Once he chooses a subject, he studies the animal closely. He looks at what makes it special, how it moves, and how it’s built. Since his paintings often show animals in creative or exaggerated poses, he needs to understand their anatomy well. He studies how joints work, how fur and feathers reflect light, and how each creature expresses its unique character.
“I always start with the eyes,” he explains.
“Once I bring life to the eyes, the animal starts to exist for me. After that, I feel a duty to honour its natural beauty — like it’s watching me the whole time I’m painting.”
