“His earliest exposure to wildlife began in his native Sri Lanka when he would duck out of boarding school and find refuge in his country’s lush rainforests. In the forest, he would sit for hours closely observing and sketching the native animals.

He would return to school and share the sketches with his classmates and, as his skill increased, even his teachers were impressed.”  Sheldon Dingle

 Gamini Ratnavira is a renowned Sri Lankan-American wildlife artist celebrated for his vivid, meticulously detailed depictions of birds, mammals, and other natural subjects. Born in Sri Lanka, Ratnavira was fascinated with nature from an early age, often exploring rainforests and sketching the animals he encountered. His passion led him to become not just an artist but also a naturalist, contributing significantly to wildlife education and conservation through both his art and fieldwork. After immigrating to the United States, he established himself as one of the premier wildlife artists in Southern California, where he lives and works today.

Ratnavira’s artwork reflects a deep reverence for the natural world, combining scientific accuracy with artistic sensitivity. His paintings have appeared in field guides, scientific journals, and conservation campaigns, including notable contributions to books like A Field Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka and Mammals of Sri Lanka. He often works in gouache and watercolor, mediums that allow him to layer vibrant detail while maintaining a sense of lightness and movement. His lifelong study of wildlife has also taken him to various continents, sketching in the field from the Amazon to Southeast Asia.

Over the years, Ratnavira has exhibited his art in solo and group shows around the world. He was the founder and director of the Reflections of Nature wildlife art show in Fallbrook, which ran annually for nearly three decades. He also operates the Hidden Forest Art Gallery, his primary studio and exhibition space since 1986. Through these exhibitions, he not only showcased his work but also used art as a platform to raise awareness about endangered species and habitat loss.

Ratnavira has illustrated 38 official postage stamps for Sri Lanka, focusing on the country’s rich biodiversity. These stamps feature a variety of subjects, including butterflies, marine mammals, and elephants. Notably, he collaborated with Prince Philip on the Let Them Live conservation project, creating elephant-themed stamps that supported the World Wildlife Fund. These stamps remain in circulation, serving as a testament to his artistic skill and commitment to wildlife awareness

Beyond the canvas, Ratnavira is a dedicated educator and conservation advocate. He has collaborated with organizations like the National Geographic Society and the Audubon Society, and his bronze sculptures and illustrations have become lasting tributes to biodiversity. Despite his success abroad, he maintains strong ties to Sri Lanka, often returning to contribute to conservation projects and inspire young artists. Gamini Ratnavira’s work stands at the intersection of science, art, and activism—a lifelong pursuit of beauty rooted in the natural world.