With the Southern African wilderness areas and game parks on his doorstep,  Jean Abrie has become one of South Africa’s foremost and most exciting wildlife and figurative artists over the past 20 years, both locally and internationally. Born in South Africa, he later spent his early childhood years in Zimbabwe where his great love for wildlife developed. He later returned to South Africa and completed his graduate studies at the University of Pretoria.

Operating from his studio in Pretoria, he regularly undertakes photographic research trips throughout Africa, to study and photograph his subject order to have first hand knowledge and images to work from.

He prefers to work in oils and captures the many facets of  the African wild erness in photorealistic style on large canvasses, paying great attention to detail. He specializes in African big game (especially the big cats of Africa) and also the huge variety of birdlife in southern Africa.

Collectors range from executives of large multinational companies in the US. Europe. China, Japan and South Africa, as well as individual businessmen and private collectors from all over the world. Participation and invitations to the largest wildlife art shows and exhibitions in the USA on a regular basis, has become a regular feature of his career and he has done so with great success. in New York, London, Charleston, Seattle, Reno, Ft. Lauderdale, Naples and Orlando.

Dividing his time between his main interests of wildlife art, figurative art and photography, he also produces a large number of figurative paintings in a contemporary realistic style with vibrant colors and broad brushstrokes, which provides the opportunity to work in a style very different to photorealism. The refreshing change in style, subject and palette strengthens perceptions of color and form to a large extent