Re-create the texture of the coat as exactly as possible to recreate the feeling of long, soft, short, coarse, straight, curly, or spiky hairs. Whether painting cute and furry animals such as puppies, kittens and cubs, the harsh or romantic wild including the Big Five, animals in the field of hunting or sport, birds in the garden or even the cherished LED High Bay Lamp family pet portrait, remember that memorable animal art is animal art with soul. They must have a spark of life and show a characteristic, particular mood or a recognisable reaction to a specific moment in the life of the animal subject. Add the vital little signs of life! An interesting background The background can evoke drama, nostalgia and atmosphere.  It is so much more than an exercise in photo-realism  it goes deeper than a photograph, to capture the very soul of the wildlife it portrays, it can transcend any artistic style and perhaps artistic ability.  A beginner can produce animal art with soul as effectively as an experienced professional, especially when observing the following five things common to the most successful wildlife art.  Skin might be pink, blue, black, green, wrinkled or smooth, semi transparent where some light shows through, scaly and dry or wet like the nose or the rims around the eyes.  The cool hints of shadow and the warm tones of sunlight place your animal in the ongoing cycle of nature from day to night, season to season and give a sense of changing climate,weather and time. Imagine sunlight being filtered through the mane of a lion, or the cold reflected light on the flanks of a polar bear. The lighting Dramatic lighting gives life to work.  Often the viewer of the picture might imagine an ending for themselves and actively connect with the painting. Take a look at the wildlife paintings of John Seerey-Lester, particularly those of his historic hunts, to see story-telling in art.What do we mean by art with soul? From prehistoric images of cave drawings showing the sheer spirit of survival and energy of a deer hunt, to the famous story of Noahs Ark, to modern day cartoons like the Lion King, animals in art are all around us and have been since prehistoric times.. Colour and texture. Frequently referred to as the "windows to the soul". A story A good background will help a picture to tell a story.  Animal imagery appears to stir a instinctive connection we have with the Earth and the creatures we share it with.  For examples, study the superb works of Robert Bateman which show how evocative natural backgrounds can improve your wildlife art and bring your animal subject to life.  Animal art with soul usually evokes an intense emotional response and bears the natural essence of the animal.  Have a look at the cat artwork by acclaimed artist Kat Davies to see illuminating examples of big cat eyes in her range of tiger, lion and leopard paintings. Living eyes.