Wildlife
“Wildlife” will feature four artists: Albert Earl Gilbert, Leslie Delgyer, David Turner and William Turner. Each artist brings a unique approach to capturing wildlife in its environment; however, each of them are well regarded and respected for their ability to bring realism to their subjects through drawings, paintings, and sculpture. In addition, each artist shares its compassion for wildlife conservation.
Albert Earl Gilbert:
“Gil” known as one of the world’s premiere wildlife artists, knew that an artist has to know his subject before he can render it well on canvas. From early childhood, he was captivated by animals and birds and had a passion for drawing these subjects. While a senior in high school, he participated in a statewide scholarship examination that netted him a scholarship to the University of Illinois. Later, Gil took a job as a Park Ranger for the Cook County Forest Preserver in Illinois. However, his passion to paint full-time overtook him and soon made a decision to quit his job and work at the Field Museum in Chicago, where he illustrated his first book on tropical birds and launched his career as a freelance artists. Gil has participated in many expeditions sponsored to by the American Museum of Natural History. Gil has served as President of the Society of Animal Artists from 1977 to 1984. As an artist his mission includes drawing attention to the plight of rainforests and wildlife. He is dedicated to conservation and has donated original paintings and prints to many wildlife organizations dedicated to preserving endangered species.
Leslie Delgyer:
A world-renowned artist and environmental conservationist is a Signature Member of Artists for Conservation, a member of the Salmagundi Club, the Pastel Society of America, and a past president of the Society of Animal Artists. Leslie has received many regional as well as national honors and is represented in public, corporate and private collections. Leslie’s journey has been a fascinating 40-year artistic journey toward conservation of the environment and the preservation of endangered species of the planet. Her art has brought her into dangerous and close encounters with subjects such as boa constrictors, wolves, cheetahs, tigers, and polar bears, which she has used as models for artworks. Every piece of artwork speaks to addressing and bringing awareness to our planet’s endangered species.
William Turner and David Turner:
Since 1983, the father and son team share a talent of capturing the beauty and motion of wildlife in bronze. To date they have created more than 300 different limited edition bronzes and more than 50 large public commissions. Ranging in size from life-size mice and wrens to full size bears and dolphins, the Turners have a sculpture to fit the smallest niche in a home or to enhance the entrance of a zoo or museum. Whatever the case, the Turners’ work is a reflection of their deep appreciation and understanding of nature. Bill and David Turner both grew up and currently reside on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, which is a narrow peninsula sandwiched between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. This area is rich in wildlife, both in diversity and density, which continues to inspire the Turners to create works of art in bronze. Bill and David Turner’s works can be found in 15 galleries nationwide.
Exhibition Highlights
