Meet Paul Apps

My Journey

I turned professional in 1986 with plenty of youthful confidence and the bold idea that the art world was waiting for me. It wasn’t — and that lesson was one of the most valuable I ever learned. I knuckled down, studied properly, practised relentlessly, and committed myself to improving every single day. That journey of learning and refinement still drives me now.

Art has taken me on an extraordinary adventure. I’ve travelled widely, met remarkable people, and experienced landscapes and wildlife that have left a permanent mark on my imagination. Every encounter feeds the work, and every painting carries a trace of those moments.

I was born and raised on the Romney Marshes in Kent, where I still live with my wife, Catherine. In my home studio, I develop the ideas and bring each wildlife painting to life—from the first concept to the final piece.

For more than twenty-five years I’ve taught, lectured, and written about painting, including authoring two instructional books published by Search Press. My work has been exhibited and collected throughout the UK, Europe, Africa, and the United States. I’ve enjoyed longstanding relationships with leading galleries, and my paintings have been sold through major auction houses including Bonhams, Sotheby’s, and Christie’s — achieving prices of £15,000 as early as 1987 and later $35,000 at a major international show in Reno.

I’ve been proud to serve as a member of several respected art societies and as a founding member of TWASI (The Wildlife Art Society International), which continues to flourish today.

There’s far more to tell than one page allows — so I invite you to explore the rest of the site, where the paintings themselves share the deeper story.

Warmest wishes,
Paul Apps

Art

Passion Meets Nature

For me, art and nature go hand in hand—it’s where I find my spark. Whether it’s a striking animal or an expansive landscape, I’m simply expressing what I observe out there.

When I paint, it’s my way of connecting with the natural world. I hope others can feel that connection too. Every piece comes from that drive to share the beauty and power of nature.

Wildlife Focus

My work centres on wildlife from around the globe, but Africa remains at the heart of it—lions, elephants, and the sweeping landscapes they inhabit. Alongside that, I’m drawn to British wildlife and big cats from Asia and the Americas—especially tigers. Whether in oils, acrylics, or the occasional watercolour, I aim to bring out each animal’s essence and the environments they call home. It’s all about sharing the spirit of the wild, wherever it may be.

Conservation and Giving Back

One of the things I’m most proud of as a wildlife and landscape artist is using my work to support respected wildlife and environmental charities.

Over the years, I’ve raised many thousands of pounds for important conservation causes — from specific campaigns such as the Whale-Tail Initiative to a long-standing association with David Shepherd and the remarkable foundation he established to protect wildlife around the world.

I’ve also had the privilege of supporting organisations including the Born Free Foundation, Save the Rhino, Africat, and others. These partnerships have been genuinely meaningful and rewarding, allowing my artwork to play a small part in protecting the wildlife that inspires it.

My commitment to conservation has never wavered. It remains a central and ongoing part of both my life and my work as an artist.

Teaching and sharing art has always been a big part of what I do. I’ve spent years helping others gain confidence and joy in their own artistic journeys. I’ve lectured and demonstrated around the world, and worked with top art brands like Liquitex, Staedtler, and Winsor & Newton. Since 2011, I’ve run three weekly classes at my Hythe gallery, teaching students of all levels. I love watching their progress and those “aha!” moments. In 2019, I began making tutorials for YouTube and Patreon. It became a key part of my creative life—engaging with students globally and inspiring their artistic growth.

Teaching

Humble beginnings

Painted aged around 8/9 years, in Polymer on hardboard, from a ship in a bottle.

Painted in oils, aged around 12 years, influences from Roger Dean,