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Michael's art is characterized by masterful drawing, and an unusual sensitivity to the subtleties of detail, form, colour, and composition. Wildlife Art magazine founder, Robert J. Koenke acknowledges both the uniqueness and international recognition of Dumas' art when he says, ' I can recognize a Michael Dumas work from across a room, or pick it out from among a crowd of other artists. His art is invariably stimulating as well as interesting. Even his drawings are masterpieces. His style is unique, and through it he has made his mark in the art world. This is something every artist must work toward in their career if they are to attain greatness.
Conservation efforts the world over have benefitted by Michael's dedication and support. At the time of his receiving the Carling-OKeefe Professional Conservationist Award in 1986, it was estimated that he was instrumental in raising in excess of five million dollars for conservation projects. In his capacity of conservation supporter, he has worked along side such notable figures as H.R.H. Prince Philip, H.R.H. Prince Bernhardt, and Prince and Princess Hitachi of the Japanese Imperial Family. Michael was also involved with the fund raising campaign to support the efforts of Dr. Richard Leakey in Kenya, in association with Mr. and Mrs. James Stuart, and other film celebrities.
A significant proportion of Michael's art reflects his concern for the welfare of the natural world. A five year project initiated in 1978, and supported by the Canadian government's Canadian Explorations Program depicted Canadian Endangered Species. This collection formed the core of a 1981 exhibit on the same theme at the prestigious McMichael Canadian Collection in Kleinberg, Ontario. In 1987, a series on endangered birds of prey was created in conjunction with the Wildlife '87 Conservation Fund. Michael has also produced paintings to promote and raise funds for many diverse conservation groups, including The World Wildlife Fund, Ducks Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy of Canada, Canadian Parks Partnership, The Ontario Federation of anglers and Hunters, and The International Council for the Preservation of Birds. A series depicting rare, endangered, and extinct birds of the world, and another dedicated to the Short-tailed albatross were completed under the auspices of Suntory Corporation and the Wild Bird Society of Japan.
Michael's drawings and paintings have been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums on an international scale including, The National Museum of Canada, The McMichael Canadian Collection, The Royal Botanical Gardens - Hamilton, The Royal Ontario Museum Toronto, The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site - Buffalo, N. Y, The Suntory Museum of art - Tokyo & Osaka, Japan, The Yamanakako-Takamura Museum of Arts - Japan. Mitsukoshi Gallery- Tokyo, Matsuya Gallery - Tokyo, Sogo Gallery - Osaka, Nature In Art, the International Museum of Wildlife Art - Gloucester, England.
Numerous books, magazines, films, Canadian postage stamps, and commemorative coins have featured Michael's art and he is also a published writer. He is listed in the Who's Who in Canada directory (University of Toronto Press) since 1994.
b. 1950
Resides: Buckhorn Lake, Ontario, Canada
Education: Art Instruction Schools, Minniapolis, Minnesota / Ornithology Studies via Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY / Humber College of Art, Toronto, On / Lazare & Parker Studio (apprentice), Toronto, On.
Major Fields of Study: Visual Arts (design, drawing, painting)
Commissions: Not in the usual sense of commission work. However, I welcome hearing from potential clients who have an interest in specific subjects and formats (painting, drawing, studies, etc.). In these cases I am pleased to send them an e-mail visual whenever a piece that fits their described interest becomes available for purchase.
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Support for Conservation:
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Special Achievements:
- 2014 - Awarded 'Overall Best Oil' by Plein Air magazine competition.
http://pleinairsalon.com/recentawards.aspx
'Overall Best Oil' was awarded to Michael's painting 'Silence in the Shadows' for the Dec-Jan bi-monthly session of the Plein Air Magazine competition. This painting, and 'Heart of Winter' awarded 'Best Nocturne' in the Oct-Nov session become finalists for the grand prize presented at the annual Plein Air Convention in Monterey-Carmel, California.
- 2014 - Awarded 'Best Nocturne' by Plein Air magazine competition
http://pleinairsalon.com/recentawards.aspx
Plein Air magazine sponsors six bi-monthly competitions over a twelve month period, beginning and ending with the Plein Air Convention held each year in Monterey-Carmel, California. Winners of the various categories become finalists for the overall prize presented a the convention.
- 2014 - Michael Dumas honoured as Famous Alumni
http://www.detc.org
Michael has been honoured as a Famous Alumni of Art Instruction Schools, in association with the Distance Education and Training Council based in Washington, DC. A distinctive crystal award and certificate was presented to Michael via Art Instruction School's president, Patrick Stuart, on behalf of the DETC. Michael is one of only six people selected to receive The Famous Alumni award in 2014.
- 2014 - Art Tour International's Top 60 Masters of Contemporary Art 2nd Edition
http://www.arttourinternational.com
Michael has again been selected for inclusion in the Top 60 Masters of Contemporary Art, with a double page spread at the front of the catalogue of 'Avian Dance' - common grackles, plus two pages featuring five images and text.
- 2013 - ATIM's Top 60 Masters of Contemporary Art
http://www.arttourinternational.com
Michael was selected from over 5,5000 entries to be included in the special publication of the Top 60 Masters of Contemporary Art by Art Tour International. His art received representation on four interior pages as well as the front cover. The Top 60 catalogue was launched during Design Week 2013 in Florence, Italy, and a follow up interview with Michael appears on ATIM's Vivid Arts Network online. He was also featured in a 'Cover Artist' article in the July 2013 issue of Art Tour International Magazine.
- 2012 - The Artist's Magazine - Winner 2012 Annual Art Competition
Michael won first place in the wildlife category of The Artist's Magazine's annual competition for 2012. His entry titled 'Mill Cloth' was the winning entry, and 'Hybrid Falcon Study' also received an award of merit.
- 2012 - AFC Medal of Excellence
An AFC Medal of Excellence was awarded for Michael's painting titled 'Trust' which features an unusually innovative composition depicting two house sparrows at the feet of a large draft horse. The image of this painting can be viewed elsewhere on this site.
- 2012 - Artavita International Art Competition - 1st Place in Painting
Michael's first place win in the painting category garnered him a six page inclusion in International Contemporary Masters Volume VI, published by World Wide Art Books Inc.
- 2011 - Masterworks 'Best of Show' by People's Choice
Awarded by Gallery one, Mentor, Ohio. Michael's winning of this award for three consecutive years is a record in the history of the show.
- 2011 - Bruno Copalongo Invitational - 'Best of Show' by People's Choice
The Bruno Copalongo Invitational is a prestigious event held at the Hamilton Centre for the Arts Gallery, in Hamilton, Ontario. Exhibitors participate by invitation only, and all works are juried in under the most demanding qualifications. Michael's entry of 'First Born' - mourning doves, won 'Best of Show' by popular vote.
- 2010 - Masterworks' best of show by People's Choice
Awarded by Gallery One, Mentor, Ohio, for Masterworks in Miniature. This makes a second consecutive winning of this award by Dumas.
- 2009 - Award of Recognition - Leadership in Arts and Culture
Michael received recognition for his contributions and leadership in Arts and Culture by The County of Peterborough in a civic ceremony, May 22, 2009, where it was presented to him attended by the Warden, Reeves, Deputy Reeves, and CAO of the County.
- 2009 - Master Pallette Award - People's Choice
Awarded by Gallery One, Mentor, Ohio, in conjunction with the Masterworks in Miniature exhibition in 2009.
- 2005 - Master Palette Award - People's Choice Category
Awarded by Gallery One, Mentor, Ohio, in conjunction with the Masterworks in Miniature exhibition 2005, the People's Choice category is based on votes by patrons and visitors to the web-catalogue and on-site display.
- 2004 - Peterborough Pathway of Fame
The Peterborough Pathway of Fame recognizes outstanding contributions which enrich the artistic, social, economic, and charitable environment of the city and surrounding areas. Ceremonies include the awarding of certificate, pin, and bronze plaque laid at Del Crary Park in the city of Peterborough.
- 2003 - Who's Who in America
Entry in biographical reference volume 'Who's Who in America' published by Marquis Publishing, USA.
- 2000 - Who's Who in the World
Entry in biographical reference volume, 'Who's Who in the World', published by Marquis Publishing, USA.
- 1995 - Canadian Commemorative Coins
Platinum edition of four coins featuring artwork by Michael Dumas and depicting the Canadian lynx. Produced and distributed by the Royal Canadian Mint, Ottawa, Canada.
- 1994 - Who's Who in Canada
Biographical profile published by University of Toronto Press. Inclusion 1994 to current.
- 1980 - Canadian Commemorative Postage Stamps
Endangered Species Series of Canadian Commemorative Stamps: Atlantic Whitefish - 1980, and Vancouver Island Marmot - 1981. Other artists participating in the series: Robert Bateman, and Gary Low.
- 1978 - Canadian Endangered Species
The Canadian Endangered Species series by Michael Dumas was a six year project which involved direct field research and depiction of ten species found to be endangered in Canada. Support for the project was made possible by the Explorations Program of the Canada Council. The series completed in 1984 was comprised of ten major paintings, ten large graphite working drawings, and numerous field sketches in graphite, ink, and watercolour. A series of limited edition reproductions were published and a suede bound portfolio was available to house the entire collection which included the ten major pieces and an accompanying sketch/text sheet.
This body of work formed the basis for Dumas'solo exhibition of the same name at the McMichael Canadian Collection in Kleinburg, Ontario, in 1981. Held over by popular demand it became the longest running 'guest' exhibit in the gallery's long history.
- Numerous awards
He has won numerous awards for both his art and his conservation efforts. He was the first artist to ever receive the Ontario Wildlife Conservation Award (1987), and the Carling O'Keefe Professional Conservationist Award (1986). He has received top Ducks Unlimited art awards in Canada and the United States, and he was the first winner by competition of the Wildlife Habitat Canada stamp/print program.
Collections:
- Nature in Art - The International Museum of Art Inspired by Nature - England
- The Yamanako-Takamura Museum of Art - Japan
- Canada Life (Canada) Corporate Collection
- Molson, Canada corporate collection
- The Imaoka Collection - Japan
- Ontario Provincial Collection - Queen's Park
- Sir Sanford Fleming College
- Wildlife Habitat Canada
- Irving Oil
- Quaker Oats Corporation
- Ducks Unlimited Canada
- International Council for the Preservation of Birds
*Official acceptance by Prince Bernhardt of 'Rare Birds of the World' original artwork, on behalf of the ICBP at the International Conservation Summit, Osaka, Japan, 1990.
- Sagano Railway Company - Japan
- Fas Co. Ltd. - Japan
Publications:
- The Artist's Magazine - Winners 2012 Annual Art Competition (2012)
- December issue. Two page spread featuring Michael's first place winning painting 'Mill Cloth- - House Sparrows, with accompanying text description by the artist.
- Arabella - Communion (2012)
- Spring issue. 'Communion' is an article written by Michael Dumas about fellow artist Kelly Dodge with an emphasis on her Artists for Conservation Flagship Expedition to the Galapagos Islands.
Author: Michael Dumas
- Southwest Art: Feature article on Strokes of Genius book (2012)
- March issue. Michael is one of five artists presented in the article whose work appears in Strokes of Genius 3: The Best of Drawing, published by North Light Books.
- Strokes of Genius 3: The Best of Drawing (2012)
Cover art, plus six interior visuals. -
Author: Rachel Wolfe
Published by: North Light Books
- The Artist's Magazine - Field Drawing 101 (2012)
- November issue. This article describes Michael's approach to field drawing, with numerous tips on approaching this difficult exercise. This feature is written with excellent descriptions of process and supplemented with illustrations from his sketch book.
Author: Michael Dumas
- Western Art Collector - Wild Ambition (2011)
- September issue. This special edition article on collecting wildlife art, features editorial commentary and two visuals depicting Michael's fine renditions in oil and one in graphite
- Arabella Magazine (2011)
Summer issue. 'The Simplest Act' is an article written by Michael, providing great insight into his creative processes. Featuring twelve images of his work, showing a broad range of subject matter. -
- The Country Connection Magazine (2009)
More about The Country Connection Magazine
- A reflective article on the influences of growing up in a rural environment on the artist's work from childhood to present day. The article features five full colour images from original oil paintings by Michael Dumas.
Author: Michael Dumas
Published by: Pinecone Publishing
- Birder Magazine (1998)
Author, artist, and photographer. - A twelve part series of articles beginning with the January 1998 issue of Birder magazine, published in Japan. Each four page feature presents original artwork, text, and photography by Michael Dumas. Among the themes covered are such diverse topics as winter survival in Canadian species, Algonquin Park diversity, Wetland ecology, and Birds of prey.
Author: Michael Dumas
- The Illustrator Magazine (1995)
Author and artist - The Importance of Being There: Cover art and feature article written by Michael Dumas with accompanying visuals by the artist/author.
Published by: Art Instruction Schools
- Canadian Wildlife Art (1995)
- Published on the occasion of the exhibition 'Canadian Wildlife Art' at the Suntory Museum of Art in Osaka, Japan. 155 pages, 93 full colour images by Michael Dumas, Robert Bateman, George McLean, Brent Townsend, and Jean-Luc Grondin.
Author: Forward by Wallace F. Wilkins. Introduction by Miki Imai, Associate Curator - Suntory Museum
Published by: Suntory Museum of Art - Japan
- Nature in Art - A Celebration of 300 Years of Wildlife Art (1991)
Artwork on back cover. Featured in interior pages. - 160 pages. 112 illustrations in full colour, plus b/w. Text and visuals based on the collection at Nature in Art - The International Museum of Art Inspired by Nature, Gloucester, England. Among the artists whose work is represented in the book: Michael Dumas, Raymond Harris Ching, Lars Jonsson, Robert Bateman, Bruno Liljefors, Whilhelm Kuhnert, Carl Rungius, and more.
Author: Dr. David Trapnell
Published by: David & Charles. ISBN 0-7153-9333-2
- Wildlife Art Magazine (1991)
-March-April feature article -
- The Mammals of Peterporough County (1987)
Interior visuals: Black and white drawings - Guide book and occurence date on the mammals found in Peterborough County.
Author: Geoff Carpenter
Published by: Orchid Press
- The Art of Survival (1987)
Interior visual and biographical profile - 63 pages, 19 full colour illustrations.
Among the artists included: Michael Dumas. Fenwick Lansdowne, Jean-Luc Grondin, George McLean, Chris Bacon, Glen Loates, and others.
Author: Editorial Committee: Ian Kirkham, Steve Curtis, Terrence Heath
Published by: Canadian Wildlife Associates
- The Illustrator Magazine (1986)
Author and visuals. - Title of Article: Only Echoes: Being an account of the research and creation of the painting 'Only Echoes' depicting the extinct Labrador Duck. Visuals include preliminary drawings and final painting in full colour.
Published by: Art Instruction Schools
- Vegetation and Wildlife Management in Ontario (1979)
Cover art and interior visuals - Soft cover. Profile of species and habitat from the perspective of management strategies in Ontario. Over 30 black and white drawings by Michael Dumas, the artist's first works published in book format.
Author: David Eiler
Published by: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
- Art Impressions Magazine
- -numerous articles about the artist's work, and also some written by the artist.
- Waterfowl of North America/Ltd. Ed. Portfolio
featured artist -
Organization Membership:
- 2000 - International Biographical Association
Inducted as a Life Fellow of the International Biographical Association, Cambridge, England
- Society of Animal Artists, NY
- Society of Wildlife Artists of The Nations (England)
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