Email: rdoc@sasktel.net
Phone:
Website: rdocart.com
Ducks Unlimited 2001 - National Artist of the Year |
I create naturalistic paintings and carvings of animals in their customary habitat. I emphasize the colors and the way light reflects to enhance the subject. I want the viewer to feel that they are right there watching the animals relaxing in a calm environment. I try to capture the look of real feathers when I carve, with a wood burner and of course paint!
I appreciate the chance to be outside, to feel the sun/wind, to listen, to smell and above all to see. I get enthusiastic when I can pass this on to my viewers. To create is magical. To share is rewarding. I feel accomplished when someone looks at one of my paintings and comments "That bird could jump right out of the picture." or after examining a carving they ask "Is this taxidermy?"
When I begin a painting project I have an experience to share in my mind. I'll gather information and materials for study, consisting of leaves, feathers, grasses, pictures, taxidermy studies, branches ect.. A rough sketch is made and transferred to the canvas/board. I usually paint most of the back ground first and then bring out the subject, focusing on the eyes first to bring life to the animal. I can spend over 100 hours or more on a single painting until I an satisfied with it.
A number of years back I took up wood carving. I take great pride in bringing a piece of wood to life. The attitude in the birds and the realistic look of feathers are done with tools and paint. |
