Liz Staley: Atlas of Animals
Liz Staley is an animal artist who tries to combine beautiful art with education. Her most popular series illustrates animals on repurposed maps of where the breed of animal originates from in the world. In addition to well-known animals, she also likes to illustrate extinct and endangered breeds to encourage conservation efforts.
Asian Small–Clawed River Otter Ink, Panpastel, colored pencil on vintage map page This otter species is native to South and Southeast Asia and is the smallest otter species in the world. They live in riverine habitats, freshwater wetlands and mangrove swamps and feed primarily on molluscs, crabs, and other small aquatic animals. This animal is listed as Vulnerable and is threatened by loss of habitat, pollution, and also hunting. $150 Original
Australian Brumby Ink, marker, colored pencil on repurposed vintage map page Brumbies are the descendants of escaped or lost horses that in some cases date back to those belonging to the early European settlers. Horses first arrived in Australia in 1788 and were imported for utility and farm work, for recreational riding, and for racing. Only 200 horses had made their way to Australia by the year 1800. This number had increased to 160,000 horses in just thirty years. Currently there is a hot debate about whether the Brumby is a pest that should be eradicated or a part of Australian heritage. $150 Originial
Appaloosa Ink, Marker, white acrylic paint, colored pencil on vintage map page In North America, a horse with a colorful spotted coat pattern was developed in the Pacific Northwest by the Nez Perce people. Settlers referred to this horse as the “Palouse Horse”, after the Palouse River in the area. Gradually, this breed’s name evolved into “Appaloosa”. Today the Appaloosa is one of the most popular horse breeds in the U.S., and was named the official state horse of Idaho in 1975. $150 Original
Civil War Union Horse Ink, colored pencil, marker on repurposed reproduction map In the first half of the American Civil War, the Union Cavalry forces were not as strong as the Confederate. During the summer of 1863 the Union Cavalry finally came into its own at the Battle of Brandy Station. Commanders tried to procure specific breeds for their units, with the Morgan horse being a favorite. Famous Morgan mounts from the Union army include Sherizen’s “Rienzi” and Stonewall Jackson’s “Little Sorrel.” $150 Originial
Civil War Confederate Horse Ink, colored pencil, marker on repurposed reproduction map The Southerner was considered a superior horseman to his Northern counterpart, especially early in the war. This is widely attributed to horses being used more in the South than in the more urbanized North. Confederate soldiers owned their horses and were responsible for replacing them if it was injured, killed, or sick. $150 Orignial
Labrador Retriever Ink, Panpastel, colored pencil on vintage map page The Labrador Retriever was created from dogs imported to the United Kingdom from the colony of Newfoundland. The breed got its name from the Labrador region of Newfoundland, which is now a province of Canada. The Labrador is one of the most popular breeds in the world because of its loyalty, obedience, and playfulness. They are also used as service dogs, and for rescue and therapy work. $150 Original
Marwari Horse Ink, marker, colored pencil, white acrylic paint on vintage map page The Marwari or Malani is a rare breed of horse from the Marwar (or Jodhpur) region of India. They are best known for their inward turning ear tips, which are their most distinctive feature. The Marwari is also known for its hardiness, which likely comes from breeding ponies native to the area with Arabian horses. $150 Original
Morgan Horse Ink, marker, colored pencil, white acrylic on vintage map page The Morgan horse is one of the earliest horse breeds developed in the United States. Tracing back to the foundation sire Figure, later named Justin Morgan after his best-known owner, Morgans served many roles in 19th-century American history, being used as coach horses and for harness racing, as general riding animals, and as cavalry horses during the American Civil War on both sides of the conflict. $150 Orignial
Quarter Horse Ink, marker, colored pencil, white acrylic paint on vintage map page The American Quarter Horse, or Quarter Horse, is an American breed of horse that excels at sprinting short distances. Its name came from its ability to outdistance other horse breeds in races of a quarter mile or less; some have been clocked at speeds up to 55 mph. The American Quarter Horse is the most popular breed in the United States today, with the breed registry being the largest in the world. $150 Original
Ukrainian Riding Horse (Bay Version) Ink, Pan pastel, colored pencil on vintage map page The Ukrainian Riding Horse is a modern Ukrainian breed of warmblood sport horse. Breeding of this horse began in the years following World War II, and it was made by cross breeding Hanoverian, Thoroughbred, and Trakehner stallions with local mares. This breed incorporates the last bloodlines of the now extinct Russian Saddle Horse. They are great all around riding horses, but are especially suited to dressage, show jumping, and three day eventing. $150 Original
