Identifying a scottish wildcat correctly

When I decided to paint the Scottish Wildcat, in fact my first wildlife subject, I quickly realised there was a lot of confusion about identifying them. Hybridisation has created a very difficult situation for those trying to save them from extinction because even some of the ones in captivity thought of as pure animals may in fact not be. This leaves a question mark over using them as a guideline in identifying wild populations so when I found this really informative video comparing the differences in deceased specimens it seemed a lot clearer. As an artist painting wildlife subjects I feel it is it is important to know the animals I am painting and to check on details that if incorrect can undermine the artwork. I always do a lot of information gathering and research before I start a work so I feel as if I 'know' the animal I am about to paint. I think it not only brings more to the finished artwork but gives it authenticity as well.

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