Wildlife has been a central theme in Sally Nooney's art from the beginning. Growing up in the South Carolina low country — where deer crossed through morning mist and herons stalked the marsh edges — she learned to watch animals with patience and attention. That early training in observation shapes every wildlife painting she creates.
Living in the North Carolina mountains near Banner Elk, Sally encounters a remarkable variety of wildlife. Regular visitors include numerous bird species — from ruffed grouse and wild turkey to the owls she has painted so memorably — as well as deer, raccoon, fox, skunk, rabbit, opossum, and groundhog. The occasional black bear has also made an appearance.
"I love painting them all!" — Sally Nooney
Birds hold a special place in Sally's wildlife repertoire. From the dignified stillness of a great horned owl to the quick energy of songbirds, her avian subjects are painted with both technical precision and emotional warmth. She works in oil for richness of feather detail, and in watercolor for the transparency and luminosity that suits feather and sky alike.
Among the subjects that appear regularly in Sally's work are hunting dogs — retrievers, pointers, and setters captured in the field or at rest. These paintings speak directly to a tradition of sporting art that runs deep in the American South, and they resonate strongly with clients who know and love working dogs.
Sally's wildlife paintings range from serious to playful. Her People's Choice Award winner, Oops! Wrong Tree, captures a moment of animal comedy — a reminder that wild creatures live with the same mix of dignity and absurdity as the rest of us.
Wildlife paintings are available as original works and as giclee fine art prints. Original works are one-of-a-kind pieces with certificates of authenticity. Wildlife art plays an important role in connecting people to the natural world. The National Wildlife Federation recognizes the role of wildlife art in fostering conservation awareness.
