June Payne Hart’s art has come a long way since her first effort, when- at the tender age of 3 years, she took brush in hand and literally painted the family cat with thick green paint. A few years later, the budding artist became the youngest student to gain admission to Birmingham College of Art in her native England. After graduating with honors, she became a design consultant for Harrod’s of London, as well as chief designer for Accord Greeting Card publications worldwide. In addition, Hart traveled extensively in Europe, studying both art and nature. Armed with a degree in Art History and inspired by 18th-19th century English artists and a love of God’s animal creations, she began her art career in earnest, selling her works through her family gallery in Stratford-upon-Avon in England to European and English patrons.

When the artist moved to the southwest and Sedona, Arizona in 1980, her art career took a new turn; hours of sketching the desert wildlife resulted in her growing awareness of the fragility of the planet’s natural  environment- especially the plight of many of the endangered species of animals. Thanks to her rescue of an ailing tarantula, she not only overcame her fear of spiders but was inspired by the creature’s delicate beauty to include a new trademark ‘spider web’ in every painting as a tribute to her ‘friend,’ Tranny and as a reminder to all of the communal responsibility for the well-being of all living creatures.

In addition to painting, June became an active supporter of humane and rescue organizations. The creation of “A Dogs Plea” and “A Cats Life” with Dr Ted Gagne, a board member of the Morris Animal Foundation began her involvement. Ms Hart continues to work closely with many rescue and humane societies in the U.S., and much of her work is used for funding-raising purposes for these organizations, including The Humane Society of Sedona.

Artist Website: http://www.junepaynehart.com/