My name is Ashley McDonald. I am a 19-year-old artist based in New Zealand, and I love to create art using a variety of mediums, including pencils and watercolor paints.
Throughout my life I have always been interested in the beauty of nature; especially animals of all shapes and sizes. I am currently in my second year of university, studying towards a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Ecology & Biodiversity and Environmental Science.
In my spare time, I love to combine my passion for animals with my passion for creating.
More info: Facebook | Instagram | Etsy
This post may include affiliate links.
I have been creating artwork since the moment I could hold a pencil, but I started taking art seriously around the age of 15 when I received my first commission. Since this moment I have been practicing as regularly as the school would allow.
Completing portraits of people's beloved pets has helped my skill development, and has given me experience painting all sorts of animals, from isopods to horses, and anything in between. I am mostly known for my watercolor creations, and that I love to add a unique twist to some of my animal portraits, which can involve using a purple and blue color palette, or adding stars to give a ‘galaxy’ feel to the piece.
A ‘galaxy’ themed commission of a pet bird. Mediums used include watercolours, pencils and pens.
My most recent pencil portrait was titled ‘Full of Life’, which was my first attempt at exploring a fantasy-like genre of artwork. This piece was originally based from an image of a pet rat, which developed further from inspiration which included a forest environment, which has lots of mosses and branches. Additionally, flowers and a bee are both subjects I have wanted to paint, so they were also added. I currently have plans to create further non-realistic portraits, as I really enjoy having full freedom in terms of concepts for an artwork.
A Kaka - one of New Zealand’s native parrots. A semi-realistic watercolour and ink piece.
Conservation is another huge passion of mine. My love for conservation is due to New Zealand being home to so many unique species of wildlife, including birds. Many are being threatened by extinction due to the introduction of mammalian predators, such as possums. An example of a bird species in trouble is the Kakapo. These large, green flightless birds have gone viral online, as a video showed an adult male ‘shagging’ the head of a cameraman! Unfortunately, there are only 144 adult birds alive today.
Organizations such as Kakapo Recovery are valuable for the conservation of Kakapo, and accept donations from people all over the world. Of course, I wanted to contribute, so I created a Kakapo portrait in the hopes of raising donations for Kakapo Recovery. Thus, I began to draw my first Kakapo portrait. This was based on a photo of a male named Sirocco, and the process took many hours and was created using a variety of mediums including watercolor, markers, pencils, and pens. Amazingly, over $500 were donated from this print.
‘Full of Life’ - a semi-realistic portrait, based on a rat. Mediums used include watercolor, markers, pencils and pens.
Ok I am deeply afraid of rats and mice but I would definitely want this one
The success of my Kakapo print has prompted me to think of further conservation-based organizations in which I can raise money for in the near future. I would love to be able to donate towards various sanctuaries around New Zealand, including Lake Rotokare and Zealandia; both of which play critical roles in the conservation of New Zealand birds.
Ashley, You must have a fish tank. I was entranced by my iridescent sharks as well.
My Kakapo Portrait. This piece was based on an individual named ‘Sirocco’.
This reminds me of a realistic Luvdisk pokemon, except this one is blue and has a tail fin.
The snail is looking at the colors you used for him... I LOVE IT!! Keep creating beautiful art like this! It is amazing
So many different colors yet all the same to make a beautiful painting look so real. You are Great!
Not only does she create amazing pieces of art, but the set ups she makes for the pictures of them is interesting as well.
Amazing work! I would love you to draw me a peacock, it would be masterpiece for my living room. I can tell you would kill it.
She is only nineteen and she is not studying art. She is good, you know that.
I love the realism tied with the ethereal effects of color. The reptiles especially stole my heart.
I would love to pay you to create a mermaid tail for me to have tattooed!
These are absolutely breathtaking! What an amazing talent! These would make beautiful tattoos!
Your eye for detail is amazing coupled with the way you interpret the colours makes your art pieces standout. I hope you carry on and let us enjoy your art for years to come.
Ashley, these are incredible! Your passion for conservation really shines through!
So these are pictures drawn over several years, yes? Asking because there is a clear difference in skills, from "correct outline and shadowing" to getting hang of the texture, different levels of detail, effectively mixing materials... just judging by the images you posted *which are all good), you've come a long way. There's many talented adults out there who never master that level of skill. I've only ever dabbled with (photo)realism, but I feel that you might profit from bolder shadows. Takes practice, but just the right amount of exaggerated shadow can really help to make a picture look more realistic, like it has to make up for being just 2d. And have you tried to incorporate (lead) pencils? The silvery sheen can be annoying, but it can be an interesting touch, and anyway I feel that you'd be able to use it to your advantage.
Not only does she create amazing pieces of art, but the set ups she makes for the pictures of them is interesting as well.
Amazing work! I would love you to draw me a peacock, it would be masterpiece for my living room. I can tell you would kill it.
She is only nineteen and she is not studying art. She is good, you know that.
I love the realism tied with the ethereal effects of color. The reptiles especially stole my heart.
I would love to pay you to create a mermaid tail for me to have tattooed!
These are absolutely breathtaking! What an amazing talent! These would make beautiful tattoos!
Your eye for detail is amazing coupled with the way you interpret the colours makes your art pieces standout. I hope you carry on and let us enjoy your art for years to come.
Ashley, these are incredible! Your passion for conservation really shines through!
So these are pictures drawn over several years, yes? Asking because there is a clear difference in skills, from "correct outline and shadowing" to getting hang of the texture, different levels of detail, effectively mixing materials... just judging by the images you posted *which are all good), you've come a long way. There's many talented adults out there who never master that level of skill. I've only ever dabbled with (photo)realism, but I feel that you might profit from bolder shadows. Takes practice, but just the right amount of exaggerated shadow can really help to make a picture look more realistic, like it has to make up for being just 2d. And have you tried to incorporate (lead) pencils? The silvery sheen can be annoying, but it can be an interesting touch, and anyway I feel that you'd be able to use it to your advantage.
