Monday, March 16, 2009

Derek C Wicks 2009 Ducks Unlimited National Art Portfolio

Derek C Wicks 2009 Ducks Unlimited National Art Portfolio

Derek C Wicks discovered the enchanting world of art and nature at the young age of six. Through a junior artist’s kit and the encouragement of his family, Wicks developed his artistic talent and has since become an internationally celebrated wildlife artist.

As a child he would paint pictures of nature that he saw in National Geographic, learning to capture fine details and manipulate subtle elements such as light and shadow. Today, his award-winning work is displayed in private, corporate and public collections worldwide. Wicks’ painting Northern Vigil was selected to join Ducks Unlimited Canada’s 2009 National Art Portfolio.

This limited edition series is available only through DUC fund raising initiatives. The money raised through this program supports DUC’s on-the-ground wetland conservation work, scientific research and education programs.


The Inspiration for Northern Vigil
“White-tailed deer are an everyday sighting in my neck of the woods,” says Wicks. “And, every sighting still thrills me. Most of the sightings are usually the fleeting kind, where all I get in my photograph is the trademark white tail and rump. This painting captures that perfect moment when both man and nature share a glance of fascination with one another. It is in these few moments of experience that my passion and inspiration for art and nature are born.”



The Inspiration for Barn Study
“I love old barns,” says Wicks. “Old barns have so much character and offer such a wide range of artistic presence. I have said to people many times, ‘If only barns could talk!’ Imagine the wonders of time that barn could share with us... they are monuments of history.”

Additional work by Derek C. Wicks

Wicks is a dedicated conservationist and no stranger to Ducks Unlimited Canada. Along with Northern Vigil, his painting Winter Barn was also selected to join the 2009 National Art Portfolio. Additionally, his pieces Setting Out and Fishing the Shallows were recognized in previous years’ collections. The latter received honors as DUC’s Artist of the Year in 2007. View Derek’s wildlife art website and art instruction video websites online.