|
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."
John
married fellow wildlife artist Suzie Zimos in January 2000, and
they live, work and play in Florida.
|
|
 |
 |
|
Update 2008
John
and Suzie were honored on the cover of the March/April 2008 issue
of Wildlife Art Magazine. The publication featured several families
whose multiple members are talented artists.
Photos by Herb Booth
|
|
|
|
|
