As with most very talented artists, Judy Larson always knew in her heart that she would be an artist. As a child she was surrounded by other artists and was very much influenced by her father who was a professional illustrator. As she grew up and went to college, she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Commercial Art from Pacific Union College in Northern California. After she graduated she then spent the next 17 years as a commercial artist, illustrator and art director.

But it was in 1988 that she decided to really follow her heart. Being an avid animal and nature lover her whole life, it was at this time that she decided to devote her talent and time totally as a wildlife artist. Her primary focus became animals with the horse and wolf as reoccurring subjects. Her art also conceals hidden images.

Judy's unique and wonderfully mastered style of art is called the "scratch board" technique and it is an old but little used medium by artists because it requires an infinite amount of patience to create and is very demanding. It begins with a smooth, thin surface of hardened China clay applied to a board. The subject is then painted solidly with black India ink to create a silhouette. When the exacting work of engraving the subject begins, Judy prefers to use X-acto blades, changing them ever few minutes to produce as fine a line as possible. Once the subject has been completely "scratched" in it is ready to add color. Judy prefers using a combination of airbrush, gouache or acrylics for finishing, with frequent rescratching for detail.

Judy has described what she is trying to accomplish in her artwork by saying that "My desire is to engage viewers on three levels: first, by revealing the beauty of animals through intricate detail; second, by concealing a hidden image that draws the viewer to examine the painting more closely and through which I can tell a story; and third, by promoting a deeper awareness of the environment on a level that will hopefully have an impact."


Because Judy Larson is extremely passionate about her love of wildlife, she is very committed to and supports a number of environmental causes. She is also a member of the Society of Animal Artists. She continues to live and work in California. Enjoy her wonderfully detailed paintings below of the magnificent horse and wolf.