Unique amongst wildlife artists, Ainslie has the ability to show creatures so realistic that in the eye of the beholder they almost become alive and hardly seem to have been drawn at all. Close-up studies reveal that the artist has an almost uncanny ability to capture the moods and "emotions" of the animals as well as the atmosphere of the landscapes which are home to these creatures.

"For me the feelings and atmosphere of the subject matter and landscape that I strive to portray are as important as the correct composition, lighting and colouring of a painting - without it a work of art is simply an artificial portrayal of the wild." Ainslie has proved himself to be a versatile artist, working in various mediums such as acrylic/oil, watercolour, pastel, charcoal and pencil. Apart from his realistic approach to his work the artist also creates collages, combining realistic and symbolic elements, eg "Himba Collage".