Wild Brush

Gifted artist Neil Davidson brings his talents to Southern Vermont Arts Center for a highly anticipated show

STORY BY BENJAMIN LERNER PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK BURCHARD

In November 2024, Southern Vermont Arts Center (SVAC) featured the work of Neil Davidson, a Zimbabwean-born artist whose vibrant works are directly inspired by a profound connection to the African wilderness and its majestic creatures, as part of the SVAC Member Show. As anticipation builds for Davidson’s solo exhibition at SVAC, set to open June 28, 2025, he sat down with Manchester Life to share the story behind his deeply spiritual, wildlife-inspired works.

A Story Told in Brushstrokes

Davidson’s artistic process begins long before the first brushstroke, rooted in a lifetime of observing the intricate rhythms of nature. His journey as an artist was shaped by the rugged landscapes of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), where he spent his childhood years surrounded by some of the world’s most awe-inspiring wildlife. “My father, Bruce Davidson, was also an artist,” shares Davidson. “He was a palette knife artist, and the prime lesson he taught me was to truly see. Until I’ve really seen what I’m looking at, I don’t start. It’s about observing the shapes, forms, light, and shadows—understanding what’s there before ever touching the paper.”

Growing up in remote areas, Davidson’s life was inseparable from the wilderness. His earliest memories are steeped in vivid natural scenes. “Nature was always immediate and visceral,” he recalls. “We lived alongside it. Elephants would wander close to our home, and their presence was so powerful you could feel it even before you saw them.”

Davidson’s artistic technique reflects this deep connection to the natural world. He works from a combination of photographs, sketches, and the indelible impressions left by years of firsthand observation. “Each painting is a story,” he says. “It’s not just about the animal; it’s about the dust, the heat, the wildness of the scene.”

His approach to painting is as meticulous as it is intuitive. Davidson begins by immersing himself in his subject, studying its behavior, movements, and environment. He recalls watching African buffalo at a drying riverbed, their horns glinting in the fading light, or antelope pausing mid-leap, their muscles taut with potential energy. “It’s about capturing that moment,” he explains. “The anticipation, the story behind what’s happening.”

The vibrancy and depth of Davidson’s work transports viewers into the heart of the African wilderness. In Pure Feline Energy, a leopard crouches low, its golden coat blending seamlessly with the surrounding grasses. “I wanted to convey the tension of the moment,” Davidson explains. “That perfect stillness before the leap.” Similarly, Three Friends portrays bull elephants marching determinedly toward a distant water source, their massive bodies framed by swirling dust. “You can sense their thirst, their purpose,” he says. “It’s not just a scene; it’s a journey.”

Davidson’s landscapes are equally evocative. With standout elements such as gnarled baobab trees standing sentinel over the plains, each element of the paintings is rendered with painstaking attention to detail. “Africa’s ecosystems are as diverse as they are beautiful,” he says. “Every setting has its own story to tell.”

A Legacy of Conservation

Davidson’s art transcends mere representation; it is an act of reverence and advocacy. Raised in a household where spirituality was deeply valued, he developed a profound belief in the sanctity of creation. “Each animal speaks of God’s creativity,” Davidson reflects. “My work is a celebration of that and a call to protect it.”

This belief was deeply reinforced during his years in the safari industry. In the late 1980s, Davidson co-founded a safari business in Namibia with his father, Bruce. Their business combined walking and canoeing safaris with conservation efforts, including anti-poaching initiatives and the establishment of protected areas. “We worked closely with tribal authorities to safeguard the land,” Davidson says. “It was about creating spaces where both wildlife and people could thrive.”

The experience of living so close to nature left an indelible mark on Davidson’s perspective. He describes mornings along the Zambezi River, where the first rays of sunlight would illuminate herds of elephants and buffalo making their way to the water. “The river is life,” he says. “You’d see animals drinking, playing, even fighting. The dust, the light, the movement—it’s impossible not to be inspired.”

Davidson’s conservation work made him more aware of the fragility of these ecosystems. He recalls stark contrasts between protected areas teeming with life and regions devastated by overgrazing or poaching. “Seeing that kind of destruction firsthand motivates you,” he says. “It’s a reminder of how much there is to lose.”

Certain animals have become symbolic of Davidson’s artistic journey. Among them is the gemsbok, featured in Perfect Balance. “They’re extraordinary creatures,” he says. “Resilient, elegant, and perfectly adapted to their environment.”

Through his work, Davidson hopes to inspire a deeper connection between people and the natural world. “Every painting is an invitation to pause and marvel at what exists beyond our daily lives,” he says. “It’s about preserving that wonder and passing it on to future generations.”

Exhibitions and Reflections

The SVAC Member Show in Fall 2024 provided a striking community introduction to Davidson’s artistry. Among the featured works were Pure Feline Energy, Three Friends, and Perfect Balance, a captivating depiction of the gemsbok, a resilient antelope species native to arid African regions. Each piece demonstrated Davidson’s ability to weave authenticity and emotion into his art, creating a sense of connection between the viewer and the natural world.

Reflecting on the Member Show, Davidson expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share his work in Vermont. “There’s a shared reverence for nature here that resonates with me,” he says. “The audience’s appreciation for the interplay between art and the environment is inspiring.” 

To that end, Davidson’s upcoming solo show at SVAC in June 2025 promises to expand on the themes introduced last fall. The exhibition will feature an eclectic mix of wildlife paintings, including African and European subjects, as well as a selection of works from his steam train series. “Steam trains are a childhood fascination,” Davidson shares. “They’re living machines, full of power and character.”

The June exhibition will highlight Davidson’s versatility as an artist. While his African wildlife pieces remain central, he has embraced new challenges in capturing the distinct light and atmosphere of European landscapes. “The colors and mood in the UK are so different from Africa,” he explains. “It’s taken time to adapt, but I’ve grown to love painting those scenes.”

Davidson has also hinted at the possibility of creating works inspired by Vermont’s wildlife in the future, including deer, moose, and bears. “If I can spend enough time observing them, I’d love to capture their essence,” he says. His deep respect for authenticity ensures that any new subject will be rendered with the same care and attention to detail that define his African and European works.

Why Vermont?

“Vermont has its own majesty,” he says. “The people here have a deep respect for the natural world, and that resonates with the themes of my work. It’s a privilege to share my art in a place where nature is so revered.”

Davidson notes that the Vermont arts community’s appreciation for true craftsmanship has been particularly meaningful. “The environment here fosters creativity,” he says. “It’s a place where art and nature coexist beautifully.”

As Davidson prepares for his Vermont exhibition, he remains dedicated to his mission: to share the beauty of the natural world and inspire others to cherish it. “Art is a way to connect people to what they might not see otherwise,” he says. “It’s not just about creating something beautiful; it’s about evoking emotion and awareness.” 

Davidson’s work can be viewed during his exclusive solo exhibition at SVAC in June 2025. 

To learn more about his art, visit: 

neildavidsonfineart.com