Canadian artist Nick Sider has been fascinated by big cats since he was a child and his meticulous attention to detail in depicting the cat family on canvas is certainly something else.

The self-taught artist, now based in New York, has become known for his hyperrealistic paintings that “extend beyond what a photograph could ever capture”, capturing the minutest detail of his subject matter.

While the artist also paints portraits of people, it is most certainly the big cats where his affinity truly lies, with his most recent works of large-scale lion and tiger paintings described as “an ode to his childhood and his obsession with drawing big cats”.

Nick Sider’s main goal for his paintings is to use detail and colour to create the illusion of life spawning from the canvas. He says: “My favorite moment while painting is when a subject on my canvas begins to come alive.”

Nick Sider’s journey as an artist is a familiar one to many who become reaquainted with their passion as an adult after it first reveals itself in childhood. Although he knew aged five that he wanted to be a painter and grew up with a love and passion for art, he decided to pursue other interests after leaving high school. At the age of 25, Nick Sider decided to quit his job, teach himself to paint, and begin to pursue his childhood dream of becoming an artist.

Image Source: Nick Sider website

Nick Sider

Rosa Medea is Life & Soul Magazine’s Chief. She writes about lifestyle including sustainable and green living. She also offers content services to businesses and individuals at Rosamedea.com