Artist Creates Stunning Animal Portraits Using Only Leaves and Twigs She Finds in the Forest

John Summers • Contributor

Feb 8, 2025 11:00 PM EST

Some artists work with paint, some with clay—but Hannah Bullen-Ryner's medium is the forest itself. This remarkable artist gathers leaves, twigs, berries, and other natural materials to create breathtaking animal portraits that feel almost alive. Her creations are as delicate as they are detailed, blending seamlessly with the woodland surroundings where they are made. But unlike traditional art, her work is completely ephemeral—once completed, these intricate pieces are left to the elements, to be reclaimed by nature itself.

For Bullen-Ryner, this process isn't just about creating something beautiful; it's about collaborating with nature. "The forest provides my palette," she explains, noting how the seasons dictate her materials and the ever-changing colors of her work. She describes her outdoor workspace as a place of peace and connection, often visited by curious woodland creatures—including a wild robin that has befriended her, perching beside her as she creates.

Her stunning portraits capture the spirit of the wild, from birds and foxes to delicate butterflies, each carefully arranged from foraged materials. And while they may only last a short while before nature reclaims them, the beauty of her work endures through photography, allowing us all to appreciate the fleeting magic of art made entirely from the earth itself. You can purchase prints of her work at her Etsy page

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You can purchase prints of her work at her Etsy page