ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: HOWARD ROBINSON’S WILD WORLD

Howard’s Wild World

He’s big in art and big in heart – we find out more about ‘Selfies’ creator, Howard Robinson.

Do horses laugh? They certainly do in artist Howard Robinson’s world. He’s the illustrator behind the phenomenally successful ‘Selfies’ art collection. From smiling sloths to posing pandas and a happy herd of animals in between, Howard has brought unique wildlife personalities to life and captured imaginations across the globe.

Selifies, Horsing Around (14695), 500pc

A natural affinity with animals

Born and still based in County Durham, it was clear from childhood that Howard had a natural affinity with animals. He often spent time helping at the local farm or looking after injured animals, but it was a chance encounter with a stray foreign bird on his school roof that he credits with beginning his journey to becoming a wildlife expert. “I quickly got hooked on exotic birds and spent many years studying and breeding rare species,” Howard explains. His work with rare birds saw him invited to speak at international wildlife conventions and, during these events, he soon became friends with other world experts in the field who inspired him to start his travels around Africa.

Wildlife adventures and painting the President’s dogs

It was on one such expedition in Africa that ‘Selfies’ was born. Howard noted that in every country, and all different cultures, people were taking photos of themselves. While travelling in Uganda the thought struck him that animals might soon be wanting selfies too – and so the Selfies story began. Already having a keen interest in art, on his return to the UK Howard created his first animal portrait. It featured a group of grinning horses and, as fans of his work will know, many more pieces like this have followed.

Such is the popularity of his work that ‘Selfies’ can be found adorning many dozens of different products including, of course, the popular Ravensburger jigsaw puzzle collection. As well as this, Howard has received many industry accolades and accomplishments, not least a commission to paint former President Bush’s pet dogs for his official 60th birthday present from the White House.

“…a little help can change a life.”

Howard is passionate about creating opportunities to enable others to achieve their own dreams. “I have always made sure I pass on acts of kindness, so on my travels I try to spot a talent or need where a little help can change a life,” he says. This dedication to community also inspired Howard to create the Selfies Beach Resort in the Philippines, which employs dozens of people in the area and provides engagement and support to the community including sponsoring local sports teams and schools. “The project has been rewarding in so many ways and is constantly changing lives,” Howard continues. “Our sponsored students have now qualified as a police officer, an architect, an accountant, and a customs officer. They and their families have a great future to look forward to.”

A Traveller's Animal Journal (17322) is a Ravensburger exclusive 1000-piece puzzle by Howard Robinson.

He’s got his own slice of rainforest in Northumberland, complete with poison dart frogs

Not one to sit still for long, Howard has recently installed in his studio a large vivarium housing his collection of rainforest plants, not to mention a few poison dart frogs. They may not be your average housemates but then Howard Robinson is not your average artist. Find out more about Howard Robinson and Baker’s Cottage at www.ravensburger.co.uk

From fauna to flora with the Country Cottage Collection

Country Cottage Collection, Baker's Cottage (16873), 1000pc

As well as characterful animal portraits, Howard Robinson is also the artist behind Ravensburger’s Country Cottage collection. “Gardening is a passion that my mum and I share, and the portraits in the Country Cottage collection are very much steeped in nature,“ he explains. Among the latest in the collection is Baker’s Cottage, with its thatched roof and a garden that would impress even Alan Titchmarsh. Like all cottages in the series, Baker’s Cottage is based on a real home. Puzzle fans will be pleased to know they can spend time at the cottage enjoying a ‘Cotswolds scone-baking experience’ courtesy of hosts and owners Chris and Christophe. Find out more at www.UnmissableEngland.com.