Andrew Forkner, a self-taught artist, uses graphite pencils, acrylics, watercolour, chromacolour and pastel for his depiction of domestic animals, especially dogs and horses. But it must be said that his heart is in those creatures that live in the wild, in their natural surroundings, many of which are under threat. Visiting the West Ox Arts Gallery you will be overwhelmed by the power and drama of his paintings.

Having spent time in British Columbia, he was thrilled by the wolves that live and hunt in the woodlands, seldom showing themselves. Returning home, he studied them in the Cotswold Wildlife Park, highlighting the patterning and markings of their grizzled grey bodies and the amber gold of their bushy tails as in his painting Winter Dreams. He captures the glory of the Siberian Tigers in his pastel Snowy Retreat, pointing up the grey coat, white belly and dark brown spots of the limbs and the softness of the velvet paws. A species under threat, one can see them Marwell Zoo in Hampshire. Forkner has also evoked the appearance of velour with another big cat, the Snow Leopard, with his long smoky fur.

His birds are painted in their own settings. Kestrel (pictured), in chromacolour, is one that he sees fleetingly in the field behind his house. His fine Stretching – Peregrine Falcon, executed in graphic pencil, was threatened by chemical pollution but is now rallying. Do consider getting the limited edition of the print of the Great Spotted Woodpecker, Out on a Limb, that depicts not only this exciting bird perched on the tree but also the beautifully executed branches of the Silver Birch. A subtle and caring artist, Forkner runs workshops for small groups in his home, encouraging students to produce realistic pictures. He also gives talks, gets commissions for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and sells paintings of dogs and horses for private buyers, often based on personal photographs.

Town Hall, Market Square, Bampton, until October 25. Tues to Sat, 10.30am to 12.30pm and 2 to 4pm, and Sun 2 to 4pm.