Paul Bosman

Moving to Botswana as a young boy, Paul Bosman quickly became familiar with big game animals. He attended St. Andrew College in Grahamstown and the Johannesburg School of Art in South Africa. He was also a post-graduate at the Central School of Art in London, England. Bosman abandoned a successful career in advertising in order to run a luxury safari lodge in Zimbabwe where he had ample time to paint wildlife. In 1987, he immigrated to the United States and settled in the Sonoran desert in Arizona, which happens to be similar to the Great Karoo desert in South Africa where Bosman spent his childhood. He continues to paint both African and North American wildlife.

Upon settling in Arizona, Bosman was greatly influenced by the colors of the America landscape, which differed from the muted colors of Africa. Color is one of the most important elements for Bosman. He prefers pastels, believing their luminous quality best evokes mood and emotion. Bosman begins with small sketches and then creates a final larger drawing on pastel paper. By allowing the background paper to show through between stokes, he unites the whole composition but also captures the individuality of each animal portrayed in its natural environment.

Bosman has received many awards, including three Society of Animal Artist Awards of Excellence, the Elliott Liskin Award, and several commemorative wildlife stamps. He is also a member of the Society of Animal Artists.