 |
         
Members
Login
| Travel with Canadian artist David Kitler to the remote jungles of Panama's Darien Province to learn about the magnificent but endangered Harpy Eagle - the world's most powerful bird.
Find out more... |
|
|
|
|
| |
Born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, David's appreciation of nature began in his youth as he explored the Canadian outdoors. As the ideas for his paintings emerge from his experiences with wildlife in their natural habitat, David embarked on longer reference gathering trips throughout most of North America (including Alaska), as well as to Africa, Central and South America, and parts of Asia. In the meantime, he taught himself to paint, experimenting with a variety of media and techniques.
Because of his love of wildlife, he had initially geared his education towards becoming a veterinarian, thinking that art was something to be treated only as a hobby. Due of tragic events involving his family, David was left to fend for himself at the age of 17; so he gave up his dream of attending university, and started work at a local factory. Soon, however, David's sketches and paintings, which he continued to work on whenever he had a free moment, began to garner attention, opening a door to a world he never knew existed.
Today, he holds memberships in Artists for Conservation (formerly the Worldwide Nature Artists Group) and in the prestigious Society of Animal Artists, and is an honours graduate from the Ontario College of Art. His work is part of collections the world over and he has exhibited in North America's major exhibitions and art shows, where he has received numerous excellence awards.
Besides painting, David loves spending time on research trips, and with the many students with whom he enjoys sharing his passion for art.
|
Support for Conservation:
AFC (formerly WNAG) Flag Expedition: David was awarded the first fellowship grant under the AFC's Flag Expeditions Program for his proposal "Expedition to Observe and Portray the Endangered Harpy Eagle and its Habitat". Following what is likely the most extensive artistic study of the Harpy Eagle ever attempted, the resulting artwork will be used to support conservation efforts to restore the Harpy Eagle to its historical ranges, while helping to educate the public on the key role this species plays in the maintenance of a healthy ecosystem.
A strong supporter of conservation projects and of his community, David continues to donate works in support of numerous other organizations, including:
- Cheetah Conservation Fund
- Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation
- Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation
- Wildlife Conservation Society
- Metropolitan Park (Panama City)
- International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators
- Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
- Howell Conference and Nature Center
- Audubon Society
- Dreams Take Flight
- WPBS Television
- Kids Cancer Care Foundation
- Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre
- United Way
- Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank Society
Special Achievements:
- 2012 - Featured in "Sketchbook Confidential 2" book
http://www.northlightshop.com/sketchbook-confidential-2-w4467
Several of David's sketches are featured in Sketchbook Confidential 2, published by North Light Books. The book features the sketches, preliminary drawings, and finished work of 38 professional artists, and gives readers a peak into the artists' minds via their sketchbooks.
- 2011 - Feature Article in The Artists Magazine
http://www.theartistsmagazine.com
David and his work are showcased in a Feature Article in the April 2011 issue in The Artist's Magazine. The multiple-page spread includes several of David's latest pieces - with an emphasis on David's quest for uniqueness and originality in his work - along with a step-by-step demo on acrylics techniques.
- 2010 - Medal of Excellence - The Art of Conservation exhibit
http://www.artistsforconservation.org/virtual-exhibit
David's "Madagascar - Creatures of the Night I" is awarded a MEDAL OF EXCELLENCE in the 2010 "The Art of Conservation - An International Exhibit of Nature in Art" show. Furthermore, his "Harpy Eagle (Chick) Montage" piece is also juried into the prestigious exhibition.
- 2010 - Feature in Online Article
http://canadianrockies.pipeno.com
David and his work are featured in a three-part article in the online version of the Canadian Rockies Lifestyle and Tourism Guide.
- 2009 - Juror in The Artist's Magazine Annual Art Competition
http://www.artistsmagazine.com
After having won First Place in this category during the 2007 competition, David is invited to serve as the juror in the Animal/Wildlife category in The Artist's Magazine 26th Annual Art Competition.
- 2008 - The Artist's Magazine 25th Annual Art Competition
Three of David's pieces were selected as finalists in the Animal/Wildlife category of The Artist's Magazine 25th Annual Art Competition: "Harpy Eagle - Talons," "Harpy Eagle - Portraits," and "Larger than Life - Turkey Vulture."
- 2007 - First Place - The Artist's Magazine 24th Annual Competition
http://www.artistsnetwork.com/article/2007-AnimalWildlife/
David's "Harpy Eagle Montage" was awarded First Place in the Animal Art category during The Artist's Magazine 24th Annual Art Competition. His "Watchful Gaze - Common Marmoset" was also selected as a finalist.
- 2007 - Guest Artist for the 2007 Baillie Birdathon
David is invited by Bird Studies Canada to be the Guest Artist for the 2007 Baillie Birdathon. Participants’ t-shirts prominently display his “Osprey Juvenile Preliminary Sketch.”
- 2007 - Ducks Unlimited Canada National Art Program
Three of David's images have been chosen from close to 700 entries for inclusion in the 2007 Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) National Art Print Portfolio. The images have been combined into one print, "Songbird Trio."
- 2006 - The Artist's Magazine 23rd Annual Art Competition
http://www.artistsmagazine.com/2006_animal.html
Two of David's pieces have received special recognition in the Artist's Magazine 23rd Annual Art Competition. His "Pelican Up Close" was awarded Honorable Mention in the Animal Art category, while "Wren on Thistle" was also selected as a finalist. This is truly an accomplishment to be proud of, as the magazine received almost 1,400 entries in this category alone.
- 2005 - David N. Kitler selected for first WNAG Flag Expedition
David awarded first fellowship grant under the WNAG's Flag Expedition Program. The objective of the program is to make possible the field study and artistic rendering of endangered species or habitats deserving of greater public attention. Although the WNAG received several strong proposals, David's was viewed as the strongest, and the one that most closely represented the stated objectives of the program. David's Expedition will be the first of the groundbreaking program.
- 2005 - Ducks Unlimited (Alberta) Artist of the Year
David, with his "Rocky Mountain Eye II" image, is selected by the Alberta Ducks Unlimited Provincial Council as the 2005 Alberta Artist of the Year.
- 2004 - Artist's Magazine's Art Competition
This is the second year in a row that one of David's pieces has been selected as a finalist in the Artist's Magazine competition. He is honoured that his "Great Egret" piece was selected as a finalist in the Animal Art category of the magazine's 21st Annual Art Competition.
- 2004 - Best of Show - Nature & Wildlife Art Competition
David's "Spring Arrival - Cardinal" was selected Best of Show at the Audubon Society of Portland's "Nature & Wildlife Art Competition & Exhibition".
- 2004 - Featured Artist at the Buckhorn Wildlife Art Festival
David was the featured artist at the Buckhorn Wildlife Art Festival (Buckhorn, ON). His "Mute Swan" image was prominently displayed in the show's program cover, posters, t-shirts, etc.
- 2004 - Ducks Unlimited Canada
David's "Racoons (Young) Diptych" is selected for inclusion in the 2004 Ducks Unlimited Canada National Art Print Portfolio.
- 2003 - Ducks Unlimited Sponsor Print of the Year
David's "Rocky Mountain Eye" is selected by the Alberta Ducks Unlimited Provincial Council as the 2003 Alberta Sponsor Print of the Year.
- 2002 - Two "Best of Show - Collector's Choice" Awards
David received two "Collector's Choice" awards during the ARTessential show (Calgary, AB). This time he received the Best of Show Acrylic Painting award for his "Scarlet over Green" piece, and the Best of Show Mixed Media award for "Bald Eagle Diptych."
- 2002 - Excellence Award
In his first year at the NatureWorks Wildlife Art Show & Sale in Tulsa, Oklahoma, David receives an Excellence Award for his painting "Full."
- 2002 - Winner in the "Arts for the Parks - Mini 50" Competition
David's "In the Heat of Winter (Scrub Jay)" is one of the winners in this year's Arts for the Parks "Mini 50" competition.
- 2001 - Birds in Art
David's "Brazilian Blue & Gold" piece is selected for inclusion in the prestigious Birds in Art exhibition at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum (Wausau, WI). The piece is subsequently included in the Birds in Art national tour.
- 2001 - Two "Best of Show - Collector's Choice" Awards
David received two "Collector's Choice" awards during the ARTessential show (Calgary, AB). This time he received the "Best of Show - Acrylic Painting" award for his "Algonquin Reflection" piece, and the "Best of Show - New Reproduction" award for his new giclée "A Little off the Top."
- 2001 - Membership in the Society of Animal Artists
David is elected to membership in the prestigious Society of Animal Artists. The Society was organized in 1960 and its membership includes some of the best animal and wildlife artists from around the world. Membership in the Society of Animal Artists is by jury and David is honoured to become a part of this prestigious organization.
- 2000 - "Best of Show - Collector's Choice" Award
David received a "Collector's Choice - Best of Show Miniature Painting" award during the ARTessential show (Calgary, AB). This time the award went to his "Yawning Lioness" piece.
- 1999 - Two "Best of Show - Collector's Choice" Awards
David received two "Collector's Choice - Best of Show" awards at the ARTessential show (Calgary, AB). "Macaw Study" received the "Best of Show Miniature Painting" award, while "Lady in Waiting" received the "Best of Show New Reproduction" award.
Publications:
- Sketchbook Confidential 2 (2012)
More about Sketchbook Confidential 2
Various sketches included, among those of 38 master artists. - Several of David's sketches are featured in Sketchbook Confidential 2, published by North Light Books. The book features the sketches, preliminary drawings, and finished work of 38 professional artists, and gives readers a peak into the artists' minds via their sketchbooks.
Published by: North Light Books
- The Artist's Magazine (2011)
More about The Artist's Magazine
Several of David's most recent pieces and a step-by-step demonstration on acrylics techniques. - Feature article including several of David's latest pieces - with an emphasis on David's quest for uniqueness and originality in his work - along with a step-by-step demonstration on acrylics techniques.
- The Artist's Magazine (2011)
More about The Artist's Magazine
Two tools and tips - Two of David's "tried-and-true" tools and tips are included in an article in the November 2011 issue of "The Artist's Magazine."
- The Artist's Magazine (2010)
More about The Artist's Magazine
David's article "Scribbling, Scraping & Scratching" is published in the July/August issue, as part of the magazine's Drawing Board column. - David draws a capuchin monkey using non-traditional tools and an experimental approach.
Author: David N. Kitler
- The Artist's Magazine (2009)
More about The Artist's Magazine
David's article "Draw Realistic Animals" is published in the July/August issue, as part of the magazine's Drawing Board column. - David shares easy techniques and expert tips for drawing and painting wildlife, using a red-breated nuthatch as his subject.
Author: David N. Kitler
- The Artist's Magazine (2009)
More about The Artist's Magazine
David work and insights are featured - As the juror in the Animal/Wildlife category of the magazine's Annual Art Competition, David's insights into what makes a winning piece are featured in the article "Draw With More than Skill."
- Calgary Herald - Neighbours (2007)
AFC Flag Expedition to Panama and follow up featured in article "Majestic birds o fprey captivate Calgary artist" - Article highlights the amazing generosity of those who donated money and supplies to the Embera tribe that "hosted" David and his wife during the AFC Expedition.
Author: Chris Simnett
- The Artist's Magazine (2007)
More about The Artist's Magazine
First Place winner in the Animal/Wildlife category in magazine's Annual Art Competition. - David's artwork, techniques, and conservation efforts are highlighted.
Author: Christine Proskow
- Widlife Art (2006)
Featured in "A Tragic Beginning Has Silver Lining" article in the magazine's Art for Conservation issue. - Article shares David's background, and features several of David's pieces, along with his participation in the AFC (then WNAG) Flag Expedition Program.
Author: Tony Varro
- American Artist (2006)
David's AFC Flag Expedition to Panama (the first in the program) is featured. - The column highlights excerpts from David's Flag Expedition Journal, which contains nearly 150 pages of sketching, writing, painting, and collage created entirely on-site in the rainforests of Panama.
- American Falconry (2004)
Falconry-related artwork featured. -
- Wildlife Art (2002)
Featured in article "Global Positioning" - David is one of eight wildlife artists who describe how they have broadened their exposure to collectors by reaching out far beyong their borders to show their art.
Author: Kris Ellis
- The Calgary Sun (2001)
Featured in the Continuing Education section - David's passion for teaching and inspiring new talent are featured in his local newspaper.
Author: Jeff Coulbourne
- Wildlife Art (2000)
Featured in article "Artists to Watch in the New Millennium" -
- U.S. Art (2000)
Artwork used to illustrate article - "Ground Squirrel Study" is used to illustrate the letter G in the article "Animal Art from A to Z".
- The Calgary Sun (1998)
Featured in Art Reviews section - David, his reference gathering trips to Africa and India, and his work are featured in his local newspaper.
Author: Cinnamon West
Organization Membership:
- 2009 - The Group of Twelve
http://www.thegroupoftwelve.com
The Group of Twelve is a collaborative effort by a dozen of the finest Professional Artists in Canada today, who have taken their work deep into the realms of Contemporary Realism. Each of these Artists have individually succeeded in their own careers on a national or international level. Through a synergistic approach they have dedicated themselves in membership to bring Contemporary Realism to a level of recognition unsurpassed in the modern day Art world. Their mediums are highly diversified ranging from Watercolor, Graphite, Coloured Pencil, Oils, Acrylics, Gouache, Pastels, Charcoal, and Chalk. Each artist brings their own unique style and subject material and has mastered their medium in their varied presentations of Contemporary Realism.
Contemporary Realism - In the visual arts, an aesthetic that promotes accurate, detailed, unembellished depiction of nature or life of the current time or age.
- 2001 - Society of Animal Artists
http://societyofanimalartists.com
The Society of Animal Artists was organized in 1960 and its membership includes some of the best animal and wildlife artists from around the world. They work in all media, from the most delicate etching to massive marble and bronze. As past president Paul Bransom explained, it is the aim of the Society "to make people more aware of the artists who explore the mystery, grandeur and grace of the animal kingdom." Membership in the Society of Animal Artists is by jury and David is honoured to be a part of this prestigious organization.
- 1999 - Artists for Conservation (AFC) - formerly the Worldwide Nature Artists Group
http://www.natureartists.com
AFC is an exclusive, international, non-profit society of world-class nature artists, dedicated to the celebration and preservation of the natural world. AFC is recognized as one of the largest and most prestigious organization in the nature art community. The organization's mission is to support wildlife and habitat conservation, biodiversity, sustainability and environmental education through art that celebrates our natural heritage.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
