Anthro. What is it? What comes to mind for you when you hear that word? Overly-sexualized, buxom girls with ears and tails? That is not to say, there's anything wrong with drawing such things, if that's what one likes, but people should not be so quick to assume it ends there. In my time on DeviantART, I've been introduced to a whole other genre of art I hadn't even known existed; I'd been drawing it my whole life and never knew it had a name until I heard it here. Sadly, I also came to find that there is a lot of controversy surrounding this particular art form. Because of a few extremists, many respectable and talented anthro artists are associated with something that doesn't even apply to them, simply because they draw anthro. So on this Thanksgiving day, I'd like to give thanks to some artists who go against this stereotype, and perhaps open the eyes of some who've been sucked into believing it. I'd like to share with you, fellow deviants, a few pieces I've selected here:




Features with commentary by me:


By: ~AdnamaLavode- "Anthro Taur" is a beautiful work with soft pastel colors that are pleasing to the eye, with an elegant character and well put together pose.


By: ~luve- "Puritan Rabbit" deffinately shows the lovely, unique style Luve's developed. Equal attention to background only adds to the piece.


By *Goldenwolf- Always amazing with detail, goldenwolf is an anthro artist to look up to. While her wolves lean more towards the animal side of anthro, the posing and personalities shine through.


By: =Wolfdog- "10 Anthro Challenge" by Wolfdog is impressive not only for it's visual appeal, but for the thought that was put into it. Well thought out characters and such diversity, with animals (and even insects!) not often seen in the anthro universe.


By: ~andrea-koupal- Aquatic anthros are a rare treat indeed, and andrea-koupal's "Francis Ulysses Undertow" even throws a dash of realism to the mix. Definitely a standout.


By *akelataka- "Secretary Bird" is has a humorous and almost magical feel to it that I absolutely adore. Attention to texture and color is impressive as well.


By *nekophoenix- "Bus Stop", by Nekophoenix is an expressive piece full of fun vibrant colors as well as two very unique lovable characters.


By: ~turbinedivinity- My jaw actually dropped when I saw "Keybird". This is a truly powerful, thought provoking image with intense colors that draw you right in.


By *aun61- Looking at this, one might think it came straight out of a popular children's book. Beautiful color scheme and expressive characters make "Rabbit and Turtle" a work to admire.


By: ~zuckerglider- "The Great Lemur Buddha" has an almost spiritual, relaxing quality, while still being somewhat mysterious. Soft, yet colorful, this is yet another of the gems in the anthro gellery.


By ~Yamita- A spider anthro! Who would have thought? One of the most creative characters it's been my pleasure to see so far.


By *hibbary- Hibbary never did cease to amaze me. She's been a personal inspiration to me as an artist since I saw her, and "Green Eyes: The Distant City" is a fine example.




These are just a few examples of some artwork that has inspired me and convinced me that anthro art is more diverse than I'd been lead to and told to believe. I hope you'll give them a look and enjoy the features. Happy Thanksgiving.