Humans love to visit animals in
captivity. Have you ever seen the delight on both kids and parents in the
petting section of the zoo? But when
confronted with an animal in the wild we are too often scared or anxious of any
interaction with a wild beast. Yet we have lived with animal imagery since the
time the first cavemen depicted them on their cave walls. The ancient Egyptians
revered them and many cultures today still worship them. Animals have appeared
in the visual arts for centuries from cave decorations to frescoes.
I began painting animals after a trip to Africa. I was in awe of them from the
large to the smallest of beasts. When I first arrived I didn't see them as a
painting, they only fulfilled my curiosity, but the more I learned and observed
them the more I realized their beauty and importance here on earth. I came back
with a burning desire to explore the wild animal kingdom on canvas. Over the
past five years I have explored, expanded and created a body of work, always
striving to understand and control medium, improving on technique and what
makes a good wild animal painting come to life.
Constantly, I am evolving and learning with each new canvas. I have become
more accute to spotting animals in the wild and taking every opportunity to
observe them. They have taught me a lot and helped me to see nature in a
different light. Having many interested people such as
yourselves follow my work gives me a sense of achievement and fuels my
passion to continue to paint what I love.
I am now a full-time painter first studying fine arts & crafts then later commercial art and illustration in South
Australia’s College of TAFE. For over 20 years I worked as a graphic
designer and painted commissions for
private collections part time.
Member of
Oil Painters of America
Sonoma County Art Trails
The Arts Council of Sonoma County
California Art Club
San Francisco Zoological Society
Supporter of
African Wildlife Foundation
Recently Exhibited
Terroirs, Geyserville, CA. 2010
Artisano, Geyserville CA. 2009
Schatzburg Gallery Windsor, CA. 2009
Graton Gallery, Graton, CA. 2009, 2008
Plaza Art Gallery Resident Artist, Healdsburg, CA. 2005 -2008
Art for Africa - Oliver Building, CA. 2008
Sponsored by Steven Oliver & Bushtracks Expeditions
Limited Edition Giclees Available at Safari West, Santa Rosa, CA.
www.safariwest.com
Roots of Peace with Children in Mind
Sponsored by Luther Burbank Center, Santa Rosa., CA. 2001
Private Collections
Mr & Mrs J. Fruth
Mr & Mrs P. Seghesio
Mr. & Mrs. R. Nicolson
Mr. & Mrs. B. Forbes
Mr. & Mrs. C. Williams
Mr. & Mrs. D. Wallace
Mr. & Mrs. D. Groom
Mr. & Mrs. J. Justice
Dr. & Mrs. J. Fries
“Provocative and dignified, these sensitive portrayals of
African wildlife exude a deep reverence for the subject matter.” - Informed
Collector
Published in American Collector - Berkley, CA. 2009
