Mention the name Seerey-Lester to a fan of wildlife art and you'd more often than not get an excited response. The
art of John Seerey-Lester has had that effect on his following since his entry on the art scene nearly thirty years ago.
Not only is his work recognized world
wide for his depiction of large mammals and birds of prey, but his skill and
unmistakable style have become easily identifiable to art fans, novices and experts alike. Before painting wildlife,
John painted figurative works and portraiture, which he still undertakes. On his travels to different parts of the world,
he continues to do figurative work between his wildlife paintings. World-renowned artist John Seerey-Lester was born
in Manchester, England, where he grew up with a sketch book in hand. Receiving his first commission at the early
age of 13, John became a professional artist in 1974. For some ten years prior to this, John was a journalist,
freelance writer, editor of several magazines and worked in advertising and public relations in both the private sector
and local government in the UK. It was in 1980, after making his first trip to East Africa, that John began painting
images of the natural world. His respect for the work of fellow English artist, David Shepherd, heavily influenced his
decision to travel to Africa and paint wildlife. This became a turning point in his career. In 1982 John moved to the
United States. He signed with Mill Pond Press the following year. Since then he has had some 300 limited edition
prints published. Many of these have sold out within days of release. Demand for his original works has become
stronger each year. John's images have a mysterious and mystical appeal, directly related to his ability to paint the
unusual. His skill in painting mist and snow, as evidenced in Polar Lookout, and wildlife in subdued light, such as Out
of the Darkness Into the Light, or Dark Presence, has created a demand for his ability as a painter that has few rivals.
Not many artists display the ability to paint wildlife in all the natural elements. Seerey-Lester's imaginative designs are
always an anticipated aspect, as experienced in a recent release of Full Moon Rising - Leopard. Where else, but
through his art, could you see such a brilliant occurrence. His paintings of the North American grizzlies of Alaska are
among the best of the species - the limited edition prints of his first offerings have long gone and are coveted. With
his personal ambition for first-hand experience, it's easy for students to realize his acumen for capturing mood and
anatomical accuracy. John has received many awards and much recognition for his outstanding achievements in the
field of wildlife art. He was presented to His Royal Highness Prince Phillip and was commended for his work in
conservation. He has been chosen to exhibit works in the prestigious Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum's "Birds in
Art" and "Wildlife: An Artist's View" shows each year since 1983, and his paintings are in their permanent collection.
He has also displayed in several other museums such as the Gilcrease Museum , the National Museum of Wildlife
Art, and in many other permanent collections such as Bennington Center for the Arts and Nature in Art Museum. He
is a member of Oil Painters of America and is the Artist of the Year at the Southeastern Wildlife Expo in Charleston for
2004. John has traveled all over the world in search of the magnificent wildlife he portrays on canvas. He prefers to
paint only wildlife subjects he has seen first hand. He has traveled to most parts of Canada, Alaska, China, Africa,
Antarctica, South and Central America, India and Nepal. A book on his life and work was published by Mill Pond
Press and released in 1991. The book, Face to Face with Nature: The Art of John Seerey-Lester, sold out in 1995. A
second book titled Impressions of India and Nepal, based on his fieldwork there, was published soon after. His latest
book, Painting Wildlife with John Seerey-Lester, was released early this year and is available through all good
bookshops, galleries and directly from John Seerey-Lester. As well as being widely regarded as an artist, John is
an excellent teacher and has taught at Disney Animation studios. John's workshops and Master Classes have
become a success because he not only teaches students in a classroom setting; he works with them in the field. As a
teacher, he paints alongside students and allows them to learn directly from him. John has a way of taking neither his
work nor himself too seriously; thus he conveys information in an interesting and sometimes humorous fashion. As
one workshop student put it, "I've never learned so much, and simultaneously had so much fun, in all my educational
experiences."
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