Wild Wings at 40 & Wildlife Art Genre Both Going Strong!

Congrats to Wild Wings on its 40th year in the art print market!

My colleague of many years in the art print market, Larry Richardson, recently sent the interesting informative newsletter seen below. It is a bright reminder the wildlife art field is one that remains vibrant.  It was this genre that led the way to the print market's greatest sales figures in the heyday of limited edition reproductions. Artists such as Bev Doolittle, Robert Bateman and Carl Brenders, to name just a few,  became superstars in the field.

Numerous art print publishing companies such as these: Wild Wings Art, Mill Pond Press, Greenwich Workshop, Somerset House, Hadley House Publishing, Applejack Art and many others flourished alongside their superstar artists in the golden era of limited edition art prints. Though market conditions have changed, these publishers continue to produce successful print editions and introduce new artists as well.

The genre spawned two publications to serve it, Wildlife Art Magazine, which remains a stalwart in the field and USArt, which met its unfortunate demise as the mania surrounding large number limited editions lost luster in a market that ultimately became over saturated.

Here are Larry's observations and thoughts on the wildlife market:

The art of wildlife and outdoor scenes that sprang to its zenith in popularity over three decades ago is still a viable fundraising tool with organizations made up mostly of hunters and fishermen.  But even those who are not "joiners" want to decorate and daydream by looking at a beautiful, realistic scene.  Yes, realism and more so photo-realism has been kept alive by this avid group of conservation-minded individuals who in most part are not art aficionados, but nevertheless, support a segment of artists who otherwise might not pursue their chosen career. 

Like other artistic pursuits, the majority of the very successful wildlife artists made their early living in an associated field if they were lucky.  Waiting tables as a second job helped support their dreams.  The elements to become successful as a wildlife artist are found in other vocations as well. First is artistic talent that is recognized by a particular public and, yes, even exploited (read--take it to the bank).  Perseverance and initiative must be present. You don't have to be an extrovert, but having a little ability to relate to people sure helps.

The adage of being at the right place at the right time...luck, is still a big part of the equation, i.e., the Federal Duck Stamp Contest.  But most of the very successful wildlife painters have plied their trade for years, some of them over very bumpy roads.  Not to be overlooked as a medium to get ahead has been the option to reproduce their work in paper prints, billboards for the artist. This route is not for all artists, and fortunately there are other outlets for talent.  I had a college roommate for a year, an art major, who would sit up all night working on his chiaroscurist designs. I haven't seen or heard about him since.  I hope he is happy.

(Using my limited HTML skills, I moved some things around on Larry's newsletter to have it fit my blog configuration and avoid having information truncated on the right side. Apologies to Larry and any graphic designer for somewhat crudely altering the newsletter from a 3-column to 2-column format. Contact Larry to have him send the original or to be added to his newsletter.)

Larry R. Richardson& Associates Conservation Art News Summer  2008 Fall Festival At Wild Wings Lake City, on the shores of beautiful Lake Pepin, is the site for the 35th annual Fall Festival, sponsored by the Minnesota wildlife art publisher.  The show starts October 3 and runs through the weekend.  Over 50 artists will be in attendance with original works for sale.  Here is the show schedule: Friday, October 3rd, 2008 5-8 p.m.: Art Preview & Reception, City Hall Ballroom (semiformal attire)   Saturday, October 4th, 2008 8:30-9:30 am: Ron Van Gilder presentation on his new book Brushes with Nature Guest appearance by Chuck Wechsler, editor of Sporting Classics Magazine.  City Hall Conference Room   10am-5pm: Original Art Show & Sale City Hall Ballroom & Council Chambers   Sunday, October 5th, 2008 10am-5pm: Original Art Show & Sale City Hall, Lake City   A popular, 23-year tradition at the Fall Festival is the distribution and signing of free, commemorative show posters. Guests browse through the ballroom seeking autographs from attending artists. The autographed posters have become collectibles among Fall Festival attendees and others who follow the wildlife and nature art world. Quantities are limited and are distributed on a first come, first served basis. Storm & Maass FDS  Chairmen The Federal Duck Stamp contest celebration is being held in Minneapolis, Minnesota this year, October 16-18.  Popular Wild Wings artists Scot Storm and David Maass have been named Honorary Chairmen for two fundraising events.  Storm and Maass have both won the prestigious contest and both are Minnesota residents.  Storm has been picked as the chairman for the DU Waterfowler's Party on Thursday and Maass as the chairman for the Friday evening Gala, a fundraising event hosted by Ducks Unlimited and Wild Wings .  Other artists appearing at the Gala event are Scot Storm, Jim Hautman, Bruce Miller, Brett Longley, Bob Hautman, Joe Hautman (current FDS artist), Jim Killen, Jim Rataczak, Tom Wosika, Tony Padgett (current DU International Artist) and Michael Sieve. Contact Mark Pederson 952-525-2331  for more information or sponsorship opportunities.  Jared Brown, host of DUTV, is the master of ceremonies.   The winner of the coveted contest will be selected Saturday, October 18.     * * * * *    Wings at GOF One of the most popular booths at this year's Great Outdoors Festival in Oshkosh, Wisconsin was Wild Wings and three of its leading artists, David Maass, Scot Storm and Anthony Padgett.  The huge festival in August brings thousands of outdoor enthusiasts to the shores of Lake Winnebago.  David Maass is shown here with one of many ardent fans.   * * * * *   Richardson Consults with NWF Larry R. Richardson & Associates was retained to consult with The National Wildlife Federation to help develop an event at Budweiser's entertainment park, Grant's Farm, in St. Louis.  The July fundraiser was chaired by Adolphus Busch and co-sponsored by Ducks Unlimited and Great Rivers Habitat Alliance. Wild Wings Hosts QDMA National Convention Luncheon Wild Wings was a major sponsor at the Quality Deer Management Association's National Convention recently held in Chattanooga, Tennessee in July.  Record crowds filled the convention facility each day at the Deerhunter's Expo as well as daily banquet/auctions.  Wild Wings sponsored the luncheon and hunt auction held on Friday.   "We are proud to have Wild Wings as a supporter and good friend," noted Gene Newman, Director of Branch Development for QDMA. "Wild Wings merchandise is a staple of our Branch auctions nationwide.  Since the word "quality" is in our name, we strive to make sure we offer quality products at our banquets.  Wild Wings exemplifies this quality for us."       Mathios Wins Oregon Award Wild Wings artist, Peter Mathios, has been named the 2009 Oregon Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year.  The Oregon-based artist painted a single flying Redhead duck with landing gear out and ready to land.  Mathios' realistic scene will appear next January in the state sponsor package.  His "Evening Sprig" painting will also be rolled out the same month by Ducks Unlimited nation-wide as the International Artist of the Year print for 2009, a double benefit for wetland habitat throughout North America. Artist Michael Sieve's "Nature's Plan" image adorns the program jackets for this year's banquets.  Sieve's painting shows the same deer over a seven-year period and the development of antler growth, which illustrates QDMA's deer management strategy.   "Wild Wings and Michael Sieve are enthusiastic supporters of QDMA and its commitment to educate landowners and hunters," stated Randy Eggenberger, President of Wild Wings, LLC.  "Our sponsorship investment demonstrates the dedication of Wild Wings to conservation and specifically QDMA's efforts in this noble cause."   The organization's 2009 National Convention is slated for Louisville, Kentucky.   Quote:  Courage is fear holding on a minute longer.  Gen. George S. Patton 1885-1945 Wild Wings is celebrating its 40th anniversary . 1968-2008    Sunrise at Tilghman Island, MD  taken in May 2008, following the DU National Convention in Baltimore. Wild Wings Sponsors IHEA The International Hunter Safety Education Association annual conference in May was sponsored in part by Wild Wings.  Larry Richardson and wildlife artist Anthony Padgett manned a booth for the three-day meeting.  Volunteer instructors and government agency liaisons met near Sparta, Illinois, site of the World Shooting Complex.  Representatives from South Africa, Mexico and Canada were on hand along with most states to participate in educational seminars and to test new teaching devices and safety equipment.     Tin Signs Weigh In  Whimsical and nostalgic designs embellish Wild Wings new "tin sign" wall décor.  These are very affordable metal posters that reflect old-time fishing and hunting themes, welcoming signs and just plain funny quips.  They make great additions to fundraising packages and gifts for the seasons.  "Angler's Club" is new for 2009.  Click on the image to see more or go to Wild Wings.   * * * * *  * * * * * Contact us for: art products that work for your organization, fundraising consulting,  exclusive products. We are the exclusive representative for Wild Wings to the conservation community.   * * * * * Contact information: 800-985-4506 (phone) 662-895-6318 (fax)  larry@larrich.com

Larry R. Richardson Associates | 1016 W. Poplar Ave. | Suite 106 | Collierville | TN | 38017