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About Anthony...
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It should come as no surprise that Anthony J. Padgett has become one of the elite wildlife artists in the Northern Hemisphere. His love of the outdoors and wildlife came at an early age and even then, the urge to turn memories into drawings had begun. Anthony’s boyhood was spent in Southern Illinois, where camping, fishing and hunting were regular pastimes for him and his family. Camping trips were the family favorites and he distinctly remembers not wanting to leave each time. Exploring nature was always on Anthony’s mind. Whether in the woods or on the water a new world emerged. His dad showed him how to hunt and he and an older brother would be out before sunrise, decoys, lunch and gun in hand walking three miles to duck hunt at their favorite pond. If they didn’t fall asleep waiting for sunrise they usually had a good time. Anthony would take those images with him and draw and sketch when he returned home. Even as a boy he knew he wanted to be an artist. That desire and god-given talent became more pronounced as he grew older. Anthony’s art class was his bedroom where his parents allowed him to paint or draw whatever he wanted on the walls. His mom’s artistic talents and dad’s love for hands on wood working were the foundations to Anthony’s detailed eye. After graduating with a Graphic Design Degree from Southern Illinois University in 1991 Anthony got a job in St. Louis and for six months thought his career path was determined. Until, that is, he went to Ducks Unlimited Banquet in the fall of 1991. It was seeing the artwork up for auction that helped him realize that he could do the same. He quit his job and Anthony J. Padgett, wildlife artist, he became. His experiences growing up with a love of wildlife and the outdoors made the transition an easy one. Anthony’s attention to detail and use of vibrant colors set him apart then and continues to be a trademark of his style. Anthony has always said “if I don’t know what it (subject matter) looks like in its owntern environment, I cannot realistically portray it in a painting”. "Pup With Decoy" by Anthony J. Padgett
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Anthony continues to improve his work and has become a favorite of many wildlife enthusiasts. Each detailed blade of grass, the dog with a gaze that looks like it is there in the field with you, the unmistakable colors and markings of a wood duck are all painted with a purpose to create a realistic portrayal of each animal in its surroundings. These are all elements that make his work so enjoyable to those who invest in it. His work has a quality of “been there before” with elements that mean something different to all those who view it.
As he develops his talent one begins to notice the theme of sunlight in his paintings. The drama of a golden sunset in the fall or the crisp sunrise in winter plays an important part in his work. “Where there is light, there is life” is how Anthony describes his own work and the use of sunlight in his paintings.
Anthony continues to support many conservation organizations and has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars through direct contribution of his paintings and limited edition prints to support fundraising projects. Some of his work has helped fundraising for Ducks Unlimited, National Wildlife Refuge Officers Association, The Boy Scouts of America, The Conservation Foundation, Indiana Hunter Education Association, and The National Wildlife Federation.
Recognition and awards started coming in 1994 when Anthony took first place as the Ducks Unlimited Sponsor Print. Other accoplishments include being asked to be the Commemorative artist for President George H.W. Bush, Sr. depicted on the cover of Hunt Club Digest. The original hangs in the Presidential Library. He has received accolades throughout his career culminating in 2008 with the Ducks Unlimited International Artist of the Year entry, “Diligence”. Although the most prestigious, Anthony is no stranger to the recognition of his talents of late by being the 2007 Illinois Artist of the Year for Pheasants Forever, 2009 Louisiana Waterfowl Stamp Winner, and a multiple People’s Choice Award winner for his publisher, Wild Wings.
Anthony is not satisfied as there is one prize he has his detailed eye on, the Federal Duck Stamp. His continued pursuit of excellence in wildlife art will be with that goal in mind. Until then, he continues to work at his craft.
Anthony’s love of the outdoors continues today, mostly on the water or exploring the world around him. His love of fishing has taken him all throughout the United States and Canada. Whether on the road or in a boat, his camera, yellow lab Toby, and eye for detail are always with him.
| Featured Paintings | ||
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"Morning Call" by Anthony J. Padgett
"The Hunter" by Anthony J. Padgett
"Geese On Watch" by Anthony J. Padgett
"Brothers" by Anthony J. Padgett
"The Boys" by Anthony J. Padgett
