June Payne Hart: Wildlife Artist

June Payne Hart was once scolded for her artistic endeavors when, at the age of three, she literally painted the family cat with thick green paint. A few years later, she was the youngest student to be accepted to study art at the Birmingham College of Art in her native England.

After graduating with honors, she worked as a design consultant for Harrods of London and also as chief designer for Accord Greeting Cards worldwide. June also traveled throughout Europe to study art and nature. Inspired by the English 18th and 19th century artists, she launched her own art career. Her love for nature and all God’s creatures moved her to paint these subjects.

The artist’s move to Arizona in 1980 inspired her anew. She fell in love with the beauty of the Southwest, spending hours sketching desert wildlife. She even conquered her fear of spiders when she rescued an injured tarantula and nursed it back to health. Spider webs now grace all of her paintings as a trademark.

To her initial medium of “gouache” (opaque watercolor) she has added acrylic, scratchboard watercolor and collage; she is now adding oil. She has received many awards for her work in native England, Europe and the United States. Her paintings are often sold prior to completion and hang in private collections worldwide, including the British Royal Family.

Much of the her work helps raise funds for animal rescue and humane societies throughout the United States, including her widely known “A Dog’s Plea” and “A Cat’s Life.” You will frequently find her artwork in greeting cards, cross-stitch, puzzles, collector plates, fabric design and various other products.