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About Mark Butler Born and raised in Southeastern Oregon near the Idaho border, Mark began drawing at an early age. Growing up he spent a great deal of time camping and fishing in the mountains of Central Idaho. This is where his love of nature began. By age thirteen he took up bird watching after going on a few outings with a friend whose brother was working on his Biology thesis. It was then that he combined his love of art with his love of wildlife. He joined the Treasure Valley Artists Association when he was sixteen. He was their youngest member. He works primarily in Acrylic on Clayboard. This allows for a high level of detail and color. He also works in graphite, pen and ink and colored pencil. Mark continues to enjoy bird watching and has had the privilege of birding with David Allen Sibley, noted author of the Sibley field guides.
“My goal as a wildlife artist is to capture the beauty of nature. I paint what I see. To me nothing is more artistic than nature's perfect form. I work from photographs, mounts, and field observations in order to accurately portray my subjects. I combine realism with subtle impressionism to create the feeling of depth in my paintings.”
Bio and Artists StatementMy painting techniques are self taught. I learned through trial and error. My favorite surface to paint on is Clayboard. I use the original smooth Clayboard® for its lack of texture. I'm able to paint as much or as little detail as need be. As far as paint brushes go, I prefer filberts and liners. Filberts are very diverse. I am able to use them for many different applications. Liners are great for fine details, having just enough body to support the paint , yet small enough for very fine lines. I chose acrylic paint for its ease of mixing. Just a little water and a Masterson "Sta-Wet" Palette® and I'm ready to go. |
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AVAILABLE Featured Works FROM Mark Butler
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| Greater Scaup With Reeds |
| Mark Butler |
| This painting depicts a beautifully detailed picture of a pair of Greater Scaups, or "Blue Bills", swimming through the reeds of a lakes backwater. |
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| First Light Widgeon |
| Mark Butler |
| This beautiful painting of a swimming Widgeon was chosen to be the 2010 Idaho Ducks Unlimited Sponsor Print of the Year. |
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| Magic Moment |
| Mark Butler |
| Drake and hen Wood duck basking in the last light of the day |
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| November Sky |
| Mark Butler |
| Canada geese fly over the Columbia river and Government island with Mt. Hood in the background. |
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| Northbound |
| Mark Butler |
| Canada goose flying over in the early evening light. |
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| Legend Staredown |
| Mark Butler |
| Grizzly bear heading down to a favorite fishing hole. |
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| Legend Staredown |
| Mark Butler |
| Grizzly bear heading down to a favorite fishing hole. |
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| Rainbow |
| Mark Butler |
| Bufflehead drake on a calm pond. |
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| Looking for Lunch |
| Mark Butler |
| Great Blue Heron looking for its next meal. |
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