ABOUT
Danielle Tomlinson is a British contemporary wildlife artist whose vibrant paintings celebrate the beauty, character and resilience of the natural world. Known for her bold use of colour, expressive mark-making and striking animal paintings, she has developed a distinctive style that bridges contemporary urban influences with traditional wildlife subjects.
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Born in 1998 and raised in Leicester within a family of passionate animal lovers, Tomlinson's fascination with wildlife began long before she picked up a paintbrush. Growing up surrounded by rescued animals, exploring the ancient landscapes of Bradgate Park and developing an early obsession with dinosaurs, fossils and the natural world, nature became a constant source of inspiration. Sharing the same hometown as Sir David Attenborough, whose storytelling inspired the city, she was drawn from an early age to the animals, landscapes and conservation stories that would later define her career.
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Tomlinson's path into the art world was far from traditional. Before becoming a full-time artist, she spent over a decade as a competitive swimmer, competing at British Championship and Olympic trial level. The discipline and determination developed through elite sport continue to shape her approach to painting today. Entirely self-taught, she built her artistic practice alongside her sporting career before taking the leap to pursue art full-time during the Covid-19 pandemic after graduating from Loughborough University. 
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Drawing inspiration from both wildlife and urban art, Tomlinson challenges traditional perceptions of wildlife art. Rather than placing animals within realistic landscapes, she strips away their surroundings and focuses on spirit. Through vibrant and unlikely colour palettes, energetic brushwork and layers of texture, her work seeks to capture the essence of an animal rather than simply its likeness.
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Conservation remains at the heart of Tomlinson's practice. She has collaborated with organisations including WWF, Tusk, The Big Cat Sanctuary and Butternut Box, using art to raise awareness and funding for wildlife and animal welfare projects around the world. Her work has helped tell the stories of rescued lions from Ukraine, endangered species and pioneering conservation initiatives, connecting audiences with causes that matter.
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Today, Tomlinson's work can be found in private collections throughout the UK and internationally. Whether painting a rescued lion, a beloved companion or an endangered species facing an uncertain future, her aim remains the same: to create artwork that inspires a deeper connection between people and the natural world.