The tropical regions of Earth truly have the greatest variety of brilliantly-colored animals in the world. And whether these creatures soar through the air, call dry land home, or swim through the waters, they are just begging to become an artistic subject. Arteza has a wide assortment of products that can bring these vibrant warm-weather creatures to life, here are a few animal/art combinations to explore:

Peacock

The peacock is a type of pheasant officially known as a “peafowl” with three species in the genera Pavo and Afropavo. A common name for a group of peacocks is “ostentation.” In the wild, they can be found in southern Asia and Africa. What gets the most attention is a peacock’s tail feathers, which can take the form of a lengthy train or a spread-out feather fan. This impressive display is used in courtship displays and as a defense against predators. Peacock feathers range from bluish to greenish, and the distinctive “eyes” can contain blue, gold, and red hues.

To capture a peacock’s lustrous plumage, use Arteza’s Pouring Acrylic Paint, 60ml Bottles - Set of 32. The wide selection enables you to portray your peacock in a variety of ways. In addition to white and black base colors, and classic hues, there’s soft pastels, bold neon, and striking metallic shades. Because this non-toxic, high-flow paint already has the correct ratio of pouring medium mixed in, no prep is necessary. Plus, it is beginner-friendly.

Toucan

Toucans reside in the family Ramphastidae, spanning five genera and over 40 different species. The largest and best-known is the toco toucan (Ramphastos toco). A group of toucans is known as a “durante,” a reference to the sizable nose of famed comedian Jimmy Durante—after all, a toucan’s beak can take up almost half of its body length. The toucan’s bill features a nifty serrated edge, which allows them to peel fruit plucked from trees. It is also wielded in courtship rituals, in self-defense, and functions as an air conditioner when the bird channels blood to it. Tocos can be found in the tropical forests of South America, where they are considered spiritually sacred by indigenous peoples.

Create your own beak-bedecked toucan with Arteza’s Inkonic Fineliner Pens - Set of 120. This 120-piece, budget-friendly, marker pen set contains a broad range of both vibrant and muted shades that really pop. Achieve fine detail with the 0.4mm tip, and comfort with the ergonomic triangular barrel. The non-toxic, water-based ink is quick-drying, which fends off bleeding and smudging.

Seahorse

Seahorses fall under the genus Hippocampus, and have over 30 distinct species. A group of seahorses is known as a “herd,” and are found across the Earth in shallow tropical and temperate waters. Seahorses are unique in the world of fish—they keep the same mate for life, and males are the ones who carry the gestating eggs. Their upright gliding through the water may be charming, but it actually makes them sub-par swimmers. Seahorses are content to anchor themselves to sea grass or coral and munch on any plankton or brine shrimp that happen by. These equine-like fish can range from yellow to orange, pink, or gray, and they can change color to blend in with their surroundings.

EverBlend Ultra Art Markers, Brush Nib, Flora Colors- Set of 36 allow you to draw your seahorse with as much vibrance and nuance as you like. An improved alcohol-based ink keeps these carefully-curated colors bright. With Ultra Art Markers, you can layer and blend with ease, and create striking color transitions. The markers are dual-tipped, a medium chisel on one end, and a rubber brush tip on the other. A cone-sloped nib holder keeps things secure, and allows the nib to be replaced.

Rainbow Lorikeet

Rainbow lorikeets are in the genus Trichoglossus, but there is some complexity to their species classification—don’t worry about it, the important thing to remember is that they are designated “true parrots,” which makes a group of them a “pandemonium.” They can be found in wild in multiple areas of Australia. Rainbow lorikeets are super-colorful, their heads and abdomens range from blue to purple, breasts yellow to orange, and collars yellow to green. Lorikeets are loud birds, and can be taught words and phrases.

Portray the multi-hued brilliance of a rainbow lorikeet with Arteza’s Gouache Premium Artist Paint, 12ml Tubes - Set of 60. Countless color blends are achievable with this large set of smooth, creamy, and boldly pigmented water-based paint. Gouache is quick-drying so there’s no need to delay layering. Texture can be easily adjusted—a dry brush yields a matte, opaque appearance, but add water and you get watercolor-like, near-transparent washes and layers. The tubes are easy to squeeze, too, so you can get the exact amount you want without waste.

Flamingo

Flamingos cut an odd figure compared to other birds. They sport an S-shaped neck, stilt-like legs, pink feathers, have a habit of standing on one leg, and eat by turning their heads upside-down. They definitely earn their “flamboyance” group name. Wild flamingos live on almost every continent, and are in the family Phoenicopteridae with a variety of genera and species. Flamingos are actually born white. When they begin feeding on algae and brine shrimp, they also ingest pigments present in the tiny critters which turn their feathers pink. 

With Arteza’s Real Brush Pens - Set of 96, you can portray as much subtle gradation of flamingo-pink as you want, and still have plenty of other color options. Using the non-toxic Real Brush Pens, you can delve into watercolor without paint brushes or water cups. The flexible brush tip allows for both fine and bold lines, depending on the pressure placed on the tip. You can use them as is, or evoke a more pronounced watercolor effect by adding water. Either way, blending and layering is a snap, and can be assisted by the included water brush pen.

Did you enjoy drawing these tropical animals? Shall we move on to reptiles or perhaps marsupials? Make sure to shop our site for your next creation.