Along with human form, animals were subjects of the earliest art ever created. They were symbolic and told stories of daily life in prehistoric times where language was less evolved. They can represent evolution, power, spirituality, mood and emotion. 

Tips for painting animals: Have a detailed reference photo to aid with color, anatomy, light, fur texture and direction. Establish a thorough color palette. Colors are just as important as detailing for realism. Sketch faintly and proportionally or impressionistic for abstract. Block in basic structures first, the light areas and dark areas. Add shading and transition with both soft and sharp edges. Build up layers in fur with gaps between strands and vary the curve of each strand as to not be completely uniform. Add a contemporary background with layers. Take time, do not rush and save the details for last but remember, not everything needs detail.