Lizard art is unique in that there are so many different kinds to choose from. Lizards are one of the most diverse species of animals on the planet today. Lizard artwork has grown increasingly popular with modern art audiences because of its diversity and style.
There are many examples of realistic reptile art prints and the majority of these depict lizards. Works such as 'Blue-tail Lizard, PI. T67' and 'Iguana, PI. T64' by Marc Catesby are examples of realistic lizard prints that are an important contribution to natural art around the world. Unlike most reptiles, lizards rely on their fast reflexes and innate camouflaging abilities in order to survive, which makes it difficult to capture them except on canvas.
Many of the examples of lizard canvas art display these reptiles as a symbol. This treatment can be seen in such works as 'Ancient Amphibians I' by Nancy Slocum and 'Africa' by Teyras. In Native American mythology, the lizard is a symbol of dreaming as well as of acceptance and the art of letting go. Additionally, in Africa the lizard is a sign of fertility and birth. However, these aren't the only cultures that have used this adaptive reptile as a symbol. Nearly every culture in the world has legends about lizards and displays them in their symbolic art.
Lizards are ingenuous reptiles that are capable of surviving in nearly any climate, from tropical rainforests to deserts. Thus, it's no surprise that lizard artwork is a popular decorative option for nearly any style.
