Study For Tiger Pursuit Poem by Denis Martindale

Before new wildlife prints get made, a study sketch gets done,
Before the buying price is paid for prints by anyone.
Upon a sketchpad that's pristine according to his plan,
The wildlife artist sets the scene to capture what he can.
While other paintings still progress, from barely halfway through,
He takes time out to now address a brand new sketch for you.
He keeps his buyers in his mind and also in his heart,
His inspirations help Mankind through those who treasure art.

They spread the word by what they buy, esteeming Nature so,
To envy how the eagles fly, while tigers stroll below.
But every tiger, brown or white, deserves attention, too.
Such majesty grants us insight beyond what tigers do.
That's why the artist takes his time, with patience and with skill,
Conveying everything sublime through his flair and goodwill.
Like elephants, strong as a tank, and owls that looked so wise,
Kingfishers by a riverbank, and penguins on the ice.

Yet most of all, the tigers reigned, as creatures he would paint,
In contrast to what some explained, who thought kingfishers quaint.
Each creature has its tale to tell, its present and its past,
Before each dies and bids farewell, because life doesn't last.
But paintings can survive them all for centuries and more,
To me, art proves a miracle, and long may it endure.
While there are artists on this Earth, a billion souls get blessed,
For they portray what each life's worth, if it's lived at its best.


Denis Martindale.30th November 2025.

The poem is about a magnificent study sketch by the UK artist,
Stephen Gayford, for his wildlife painting entitled Tiger Pursuit.