Realistic drawings of animals and nature, with an eye for detail and emotion
Realistic drawings of animals and nature, created using pastel pencils and coloured pencils. Every hair, every reflection, every feather: everything is captured in minute detail. Take a look at my original drawings and prints in the shop, commission a drawing of your pet or other animal, or learn how to do it yourself through my drawing lessons and online pastel pencil course.
Commissions
Exclusive artworks
Prints
Drawing classes
Online course
Bring nature into your home with
realistic color and pastel pencil drawings
Creating realistic drawings takes a lot of time. It can take hours, days, and even weeks. Layer by layer, carefully blending down to the very last small details. Every hair, every reflection, every texture until the subject emerges on paper. That is how nature comes to life in a drawing, and I, Rebecca Engels, would love to bring that to your home.
International recognition
Since I started drawing in 2021, my work has received international recognition on several occasions. It is special to see that drawings of birds and other animal species found in the Dutch countryside are also appreciated beyond our national borders. For me, this recognition confirms that a sense of wonder does not depend on a rare or exotic species, but can in fact arise from looking closely at the nature around us.
In 2025, my pastel drawing Shake was selected for Birds in Art in the United States, one of the leading exhibitions of contemporary nature art. In addition, my work appeared in International Artist Magazine and I received several international awards.
Some highlights include:
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2026 – Where Blue Takes Wing received an Artistic Recognition Award in the international Wildlife Competition organised by Art & Color 365.
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2025 – Shake (Grebe) received a Special Merit Award in the International Drawings Competition organised by Art & Color 365.
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2025 – Always Look Up (Zanzibar leaf monkey) received an Honourable Mention at the 4th Annual Wild Art Open Competition organised by Wild Heart Gallery.
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2025 – On the Lookout (Little Owls) received an Honourable Mention in the Nature Art Exhibition organised by Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery.
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2025 – Where Blue Takes Wing also received a Special Recognition in the same international exhibition.
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2024 – In 2024, too, several of my drawings received international recognition in various art competitions.
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Every award feels like a wonderful affirmation of my artistic vision: to show just how special nature is right on our doorstep and to invite others to look at it with fresh eyes.
Original artworks
The drawings, created with passion, inspiration and my knowledge as a qualified biologist, are the highlights of my collection. These original works are one-of-a-kind pieces – there is always just one of each! You will receive exactly that piece of art, into which I have poured all my attention and dedication. The artwork is supplied in a high-quality frame with museum-grade glass.
Upcoming workshops and drawing classes
Would you like to learn how to draw a flower, animal or plant realistically? I offer a range of options for people of all ages to improve their drawing skills! Want to see all the lessons? Head to the navigation bar and check out what’s on offer under ‘learn to draw’.
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Pastel course
(5 classes)
Learn to draw with pastels step by step, using a photograph, in a relaxed and accessible way. Choose your own subject!
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Nature drawing for kids
(6-8 lessons)
In these lessons, I’ll guide your child in creating their very best drawings! Take a look at the lesson series here.
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Coloured pencil course
(5 classes)
Learn how to draw realistically with coloured pencils, step by step, in a relaxed and accessible way.
"Art takes nature as it's model"
-Aristotle
Specially made from your beloved pet
Commissions
I create bespoke drawings of wild animals, pets and nature to commission. These hand-drawn commissioned portraits make wonderful and memorable gifts for any occasion.
Original artworks and prints
Shop
In my shop, you’ll find original drawings, cards and prints. Everything is made using the highest-quality materials. The drawings and prints will stay beautiful for a lifetime!
The artist behind the work
Online course
Want to learn more about the artist behind all this work? Here's how she started with just a dose of inspiration and the motivation to create something beautiful on paper. Get inspired.
My students created these:
More than a drawing
To be perfectly honest? Almost all of us can put a pencil to paper. But the art lies, quite literally, in creating work that leaves you in awe. The myriad details, a coat that looks lifelike, and eyes in which you can see life. Previous customers share their experiences.
"We commissioned Rebecca to create a drawing (in coloured pencil) of our (suddenly deceased) cat, Aiko, and the result moved us deeply. Rebecca managed to capture not only his appearance, but above all the character and soul of our dear Aiko beautifully.
Communication with Rebecca was pleasant and thorough. She wanted to know exactly what Aiko was like and who he was, using additional photos, and she listened carefully to our wishes. This is clearly reflected in the stunning final result.
Aiko now has a lovely spot on the wall. It has become a lasting and loving memento for us, for which we are enormously grateful to Rebecca. We can therefore wholeheartedly recommend Rebecca to anyone looking for a tangible and loving memento of a beloved (deceased) pet! “”
- Talitha, Netherlands
"Outstanding, I was absolutely blown away! We received a medium-sized portrait of our beautiful German Shepherd, Maya, and my heart just melted. I can’t emphasise enough how beautiful this drawing is; the level of detail, from the tiny cracks in her tongue to the soft fur around her ears – she captures every little special detail. It’s like a photograph coming to life in a cool, strange way.
Chelsey Karbowski, Canada
‘I received a really lovely drawing from Nature Art by Rebecca – I absolutely love the hawfinch I bought! The other drawings are lovely too! It was a pleasure working with her to organise everything, and the service was brilliant. A very friendly lady. I’m very satisfied and will definitely be back in the future; I’d recommend her to everyone.’
Chantal Wiewauters, Belgium
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