What Is Vegan Art? And Why Does It Matter?

Consumer consciousness is rising in food and clothing. We are more aware of what we put into our bodies, and onto our backs. And we don’t want it to come with a cost to the planet – or the animals we share it with. So no surprise that vegan milks, faux meats, and fur-free fashions are increasingly popular.

In the world of interior design, style and substance are no longer mutually exclusive. Today’s homeowners are not only seeking beautiful pieces for their walls — they’re also considering where those pieces come from and what values they represent.

Enter a rising trend in conscious decorating: vegan art.

So, what is vegan art? And why is it becoming a must-have in consciously curated spaces?

Art That Aligns With Compassion and Conscious Living

Vegan art is artwork created without the use of any animal-derived materials. That means, obviously, no art that includes leather, fur, bones, wool or feathers.

But it can also go further and indicate:

no paintbrushes made from animal hair of any kind (usually hog, squirrel or sable hair)
no pigments made with bone char or insect shellac
no adhesives containing animal parts
no beeswax (used in most cold wax paints and wax pastels)

But there are loads of other animal based ingredients used in art.

Let’s go into some detail on these, below.

Weird Animal Parts Used In Non-Vegan Art

Carmine

Carmine (NR4) is a red pigment derived from the kermes insect. Genuine carmine paints are uncommon as the colour is fugitive, however you can source it as a pigment powder.

Chamois

Chamois is a type of animal leather. Artists’ use chamois rags to blend charcoal and pencil.

Chochineal

Cochineal is a historical colour derived from the Cochineal insect. It produces a carmine red dye sometimes found in inks.

Gelatin

Gelatine is used by some manufacturers to size paper. It is derived from collagen extracted by boiling animal skin, tendons, ligaments and bones with water.

Genuine Gesso

Genuine Gesso is made from chalk and hide glue (most commonly Rabbit Skin Glue). Modern Acrylic Gessoes are based on an acrylic formula and don’t contain animal ingredients.

Genuine Vellum

Genuine Vellum – Traditional vellum is a surface made from prepared animal skin. Artists sometimes use the word ‘parchment’ interchangeably. Vellum has mostly fallen out of favour due to low demand and a complicated manufacturing process.

Glycerine

Glycerine is a plasticiser and humectant added to watercolour paints to make the gum Arabic binder more flexible and easy to redissolve in water. It can be either plant or animal derived, as well as produced synthetically in a lab. Paintmakers use plant glycerine as animal glycerine tends to yellow with time.

Ox Gall

Ox Gall is a wetting agent used in watercolour painting. Although it is available as its own medium, some watercolour brands include it in their paint formula. It is a type of bile obtained from the gall bladders of cattle.

PBk9 – Ivory Black/Bone Black Pigment

PBk9 is a black pigment found in paint. It is sometimes referred to as Bone Black or Ivory Black. PBk9 pigment was once obtained by burning genuine ivory. While ivory is no longer used, the pigment does still rely on the charring of other animal bones.

Rabbit Skin Glue

Rabbit Skin Glue is made by boiling the hide and bones of rabbits. It can be used to size canvases and is also an ingredient in Genuine Gesso.

Shellac

Shellac is a resin made from the secretions of the female lac bug. It can be used as a varnish and is also a vehicle in some inks.

Tallow

Tallow is a rendered animal fat. It is used as an ingredient in the leads of some graphite pencils.

Instead of using these cruelly derived ingredients, artists use cruelty-free alternatives. These include synthetic brushes, plant-based inks, recycled materials, or digital platforms.

But it’s not just about what goes into the art — it’s also about the message it sends. Many vegan artists embrace themes of sustainability, kindness, and harmony with nature, making their work a natural fit for homes that reflect modern, mindful living.

10 Vegan Artists to Add Depth to Your Decor

1. Dana Ellyn

Known for her bold, satirical style, Dana Ellyn creates eye-catching pieces of art that challenge social norms around animals, food, and culture. Her vibrant paintings spark conversation and add a bold focal point to any room.

2. Ruby Roth

A former children’s book illustrator turned fine artist, Ruby Roth’s art is emotional and whimsical, often featuring animals and surreal landscapes. Her prints work beautifully in children’s rooms, cozy reading nooks, or as part of a gallery wall.

3. Hartmut Kiewert

This German painter is known for his large-scale dreamlike works that reimagine a world where animals are free and live alongside humans peacefully. His pieces, often done in oil with vegan materials, are perfect for modern, minimalist interiors with a strong ethical narrative.

4. Jo-Anne McArthur

An award-winning photojournalist and founder of We Animals Media, McArthur chronicles the lives of animals around the world. Her striking photography is often heartbreaking, as documents the tragedies of animals on their way to slaughter, of those enslaved to vivisection or other cruel practices. She adds a powerful, documentary-style element to a space and works especially well in contemporary, gallery-inspired homes.

5. Ashley Eliza Williams

Blending science, mystery, and a deep love of the natural world, Williams creates delicate, abstract paintings that explore our connection to nonhuman life. Her soft colour palettes and organic forms feel quietly luxurious, and pair beautifully with neutral, earthy interiors.

6. Chantal Poulin Durocher

Originally from Quebec, Canada, and now living and creating in Panama, she resides in the lush jungle with her family, which includes 14 adopted stray dogs. Her black and white portraits of humans and animals both are in high demand. Want to learn more? Why not visit to Poulin Durocher’s webpage to find her surreal, dreamy portrait of a girl, mirroring the face of a cow, And much more, of course!

7. Lynda Bell

beautiful, intricate, colourful and dream-like creations are very frequently seen on social media. Her works are, in fact, so popular, they have been notoriously stolen and on-sold illegally.

Bell grew up around animals, which she loved. But it made her question whether humans should be eating meat. Even as a child, it felt wrong. So no surprises that eventually, she just stopped doing it.

8. Ruth Killoran

This sculptor/painter’s work aims to question the choices people make in their lives. She also tries to express the joys of being vegan, to encourage others to choose a cruelty-free lifestyle.

Killoran’s veganism was inspired by a move called The Animals Film that came out in the UK in 1982. Watching that film totally changed her life and made her question everything to do with how humans exploit other animals. She realised she wanted to completely change her lifestyle to ensure it never hurt animals, and she’s been vegan ever since.

9. Jo Frederiks

Throughout history, art has always been a powerful tool to inform, engage and inspire the viewer. For Jo, animal rights is the most critically important, pressing issue of our time. The number of nonhuman individuals we brutalise daily is so vast, it is beyond our comprehension.

That’s why vegan artist makes some of the most unapologetic and hard-hitting art I have ever seen. For her, being vegan is not enough. Instead, we must all be active in spreading an uncompromising message for animal rights in whichever way we do best. The animals, the planet and future generations depend on it.

10. Saskia Saunders

Saskia’s textured, minimalistic artworks are ideal for creating a calming environment. She creates each piece entirely from plant-based fibres, and explores important global themes such as sustainability, well-being, and our connection to nature.

For instance, her ‘Their Bravery Knew No End’ collection honours the “gentle, yet powerful” trailblazers tackling climate change, whilst the Peace in Rest series serves as a heartfelt reminder about the importance of rest for both physical and mental wellbeing.

The Value Of Vegan Art

Whether you’re designing a serene bedroom retreat or a vibrant living room gallery wall, vegan art allows you to surround yourself with beauty that doesn’t come at the cost of another living being. From minimalist digital prints to bold mixed-media statements, each piece adds not just style, but a story.

The appeal of vegan art goes hand-in-hand with the growing demand for sustainable home decor. With eco-consciousness at the forefront of many design decisions, more homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their environmental footprint. Choosing vegan art is one stylish and impactful step in that direction.

If you’re asking yourself “what is vegan art”, think of it as art that brings integrity into your home. It’s a reflection of a lifestyle that values creativity, kindness, and sustainability — all without compromising on style.

So the next time you’re updating your space, consider choosing art that looks good and feels good.

After all, home is where the heart — and your values — live.

Images 1 and 2 by Chantal Poulin Durocher