Daniel Taylor WNAG

Website: http://www.danieltaylor.ca

When considering a subject to be painted, in this case a series of paintings toward Endangered species, I carefully seek out the most credible specie in need of recognition, the closest to extinction, as in this case of the 'Cross River Gorilla' The highly critically endangered primate on the planet, 250-300 alive!

I needed to fully understand the living conditions of this animal along with, of course, it's habitat and to realize why it is so very close to non-existence due to illegal hunting (poaching) and logging practices, farming, diminishing its place of survival as well as offering a 'solution' to the people of whom survive upon these incredible animals for 'Bush Meat'

My wife and I traveled on Expedition deep into the heartland of the Lebialem Highland jungles along with two conservationists, a former poacher and four porters, trekking to a very remote area known for the gorillas existence to just, by chance, have a glimpse of one of these amazing, very shy, elusive animals.

"Chimps"
Acrylic

If a person is able, it is ever so important to get out into the areas of the subject so as you may see the animal and to feel and live within its environment. The actuality of collecting the surrounding plants, sketching of the animals food sources, environment, even the smells and of course actual film footage is ever so invaluable as a source of reference materials toward your painting. Emotions play a key role in your creation so I take advantage of my play of emotions to help bring the feelings of my work to the forefront, making them 'come alive'!

When possible, and if it 'feels' right, I try to place my images slightly toward an abstract form much like this one of the 'Cross River Gorilla' were her hands are placed toward the forefront and the head is a slight back making this seem as if two separate portraits in one. Colours of course are also a great way to create a form of direction as so is the shadowing and lighting.

My colours in acrylic are quite basic in this portrait and I'm able to covey a sense of both strength and warmth by my use of very dark and warm colours. The eyes greatly portray emotions so great detail was spent is giving this look.

KEY POINTS:

1. Creating a well conceived composition is very important toward your final satisfaction, so be sure and to have a good image in mind before you start. This will make the painting flow toward its intended feel and look.
2. Reference material is invaluable such as pencil sketches, simple 'doodle' and 'idea' paintings, photos and if possible, reading study material of the subject. Again I can not express enough to please study your intended project well before beginning your work as this will certainly prove its worth in salt toward bringing you to that satisfying result.
3. Patience is certainly a virtue and well to instill in oneself as the trials, both good and bad, may be many but all of them are an important process on this road of painting.
4. The size to me isn't always as important as to what I want the image to say. Some times its 'moment' choice' so that I'm free to express the mood I wish to convey toward that particular image. The Cross River Gorilla painting is quite a small, its all I needed, whereas the Mountain Gorilla is a much larger size. It was just simply what I wanted to do toward the need and mood of the work.
5. For myself, detail must be important as is the anatomical rendition and colouring. So again studying the reference material is ever so important toward correctness of my subjects.
6. It is crucial to create what you love as it is to have fun with. A mistake is really never a mistake but only another learning step. I am always learning and forever thankful for it.
7. Keep your mind open to new ideas, were it be at the start of a painting and during the creative process, but basically keep to the original plan but open toward future creations.

"Cross River Gorilla"
Acrylic

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY:

Daniel is an Internationally renowned High Realist Wildlife Artist placing his work more toward the education and preservation of life about us were it be in conservation or in human issues and needs.

He has been given the Ambassadorship through the 'John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' to place his work toward bringing awareness of the disabled through the use of the arts in rehabilitation and encouraging workshops of disabled children worldwide. His educational awareness continues using his art toward both cancer and diabetes societies. All of this is very dear to his heart.