Dear All,
How I Became a Wildlife Artist
This great adventure of mine started fairly innocently.
I spent a glorious 25 years with the provincial government of British Columbia working in finance and policy (Ministry of Environment). During that time, I came to appreciate our wildlife and natural environment, all so delicately balanced! Then it came time to retire. So I did in 2009.
My life as a wildlife artist started soon thereafter. With time on my hands, and a Christmas gift of art supplies (from my wonderful spouse), I enrolled in art classes. First, it was traditional watercolour classes. Then it was Chinese brush lessons. I soon discovered Japanese art paper, and my career (second) as a professional wildlife artist started.
Learning to watercolour allows me to capture the very essence of wildlife and nature like no other medium. Much of our wildlife is affected to the point where we are losing them rapidly. So I do what I can to spread this message of awareness: to paint and capture our wildlife in beautiful, vibrant watercolours; to teach others how to do this; and along the way, to engage and connect people and communities through my love of art.
This love of mine has taken me to Australia and the United States, where I’ve taught, presented and shown my work (Watercolor on Japanese Art Paper).
The pandemic in 2020 allowed me to offer online classes in keeping students safe and distanced while they can still enjoy the wellness, learning and sense of togetherness our art classes offer. The pandemic has caused many of us to experience more anxiety and depression than ever before. Fortunately our art classes can help as studies (listed below) have shown that art can help one to relax, de-stress and promote a greater sense of community and feelings of well-being.
Especially noteworthy is the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendation for people to participate in social activities (i.e. art classes and programs) as a way to address loneliness, declining mental well-being and other aging and health related issues (2005).
Our classes are fun, enjoyable, stress-free and professionally guided. All levels are welcome. Beginners are especially encouraged.
I now paint, teach and sell from my lovely home in Victoria, BC, Canada.
Wishing you all a very lovely journey as we embark on yet another wildlife/art adventure full of wonder, excitement and discovery!
Contact me if you have any questions or how I can help.
Sincerely,
Richard
Professional Wildlife Artist
Watercolor on Japanese Art Paper
Studies on the Benefits of Art
1. "Aberdeen Hospital Visual Arts Study of Older Adults in Long-Term Care", Lycia M. Rodrigues, 2016, Victoria, BC
2. "Connection Between Art, Healing and Public Health", American Journal of Public Health, 2010
3. "Benefits of Art on Memory & Creativity", Article, April 17, 2018.