Biography
Acclaimed by critics and collectors alike,
Trevor V. Swanson is one of the most gifted and promising
wildlife artists in the world today. Coming from a long line of
talented artists, Trevor is a brilliant example of inspired
talent passing from one generation to another. Trevor started
painting at a very young age. Almost intuitively, he acquired an
appreciation for the realism detail and value systems essential
to wildlife rendering. Through patient study, he further
mastered the technical skills needed to create truly outstanding
works of art.
Trevor began his professional career at the remarkable age of
20, and was quickly recognized for his artistic prowess. Within
a few years, his paintings were hanging in some of the world's
most prestigious art shows, museums and private collections. By
the age of 25, he had won several artistic competitions,
including the coveted "Artist of the Year" award from the
Foundation for North American Wild Sheep. As a result of his
exceptional talent, Trevor's reputation has soared to an early
prominence in the world of fine art.
An avid outdoorsman, Trevor never goes far without a camera or
sketch pad. For Trevor, the creative process begins with the
insight and emotional response he gleans directly from wild
animals in their natural settings. In his quest for subject
matter, Trevor has traveled extensively throughout North
America, Europe and Africa. His intense desire to capture rare
and beautiful moments in nature has taken him to the extremes of
geography. This includes the highest cliffs of Canada, the
hottest deserts of Mexico and the deepest swamplands of Africa.
His enthusiasm for his subjects has, at times, brought Trevor
too close for comfort. Over the years, he's been charged by
hippos, chased be crocodiles, and tossed into the air by a cape
buffalo. He's even felt the rumble of an active volcano. To
Trevor, however, this kind of peril is just part of the
adventure that comprises his art. "Anyone who has encountered a
wolf eye-to-eye in the wilderness can tell you its exhilarating"
says Trevor. "Nothing compares to the grandeur of an eagle
perched high atop a snow-covered mountain, a sinewy leopard
creeping like a shadow across a dry desert, or a magnificent
bear effortlessly running across a muddy sandbar. These are the
sights and sensations that inspire the most powerful images on
canvas."
While Trevor begins his exploration in the wilderness he pursues
a much deeper discovery on canvas. On one level, his artwork
celebrates the majesty of untamed wildlife and beauty of
unspoiled environments. On another level, it expresses a keen
sense of the drama and emotion found only in the wilderness. On
yet another level, through its intense realism, Trevor's art
captures that briefest moment in time when nature reveals her
spirit. "I paint realistically, because the beauty of life is in
the little things. The multi-colored moss growing on the rock
where a wolf is standing, the light beaming through trees
branches onto the fur of a bear; these are the details that
breathe life into the painting. I try hard to portray these
subtle elements of tone and mood because they complete the story
being told."
Trevor's paintings also reflect his pervasive philosophy on
mankind's place within nature. "I see humans as the caretakers
of our planet," explains Trevor. "It is our obligation to
preserve the Earth's delicate balance for future generation. And
the first step is opening our eyes to all its mystery and
wonder. There is so much beauty in the world as it is, mine is
the task of capturing that beauty to show other what we have to
lose." Meticulous and masterful, Trevor Swanson is already an
important force thin the world of wildlife art. Motivated by his
enduring passion, Trevor will continue to pursue his artistic
gift, painting the sensational images of nature that touch our
hearts, and stay in our mind's eye forever. "I love to lose
myself in the rich color and vivid detail of my own brush
strokes and discover only later where it has taken me. It gets
more exciting all the time. I also love to see the response
people have to my work. While sometimes nerve-wracking, it is
always deeply rewarding to see how much someone enjoys a
painting that I have put my heart into.
Trevor Swanson makes his home in Phoenix, Arizona with wife
Jennifer, and two children, son Connor and daughter Devon.
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- People's Choice Award at the Wildlife and Western Visions show in Florida
- Awarded several covers of Safari Magazine
- Work chosen for several Phone Book covers
- Paintings used for several Stamp Conservation programs in
Canada
- Mentioned and Featured in "Southwest Art" magazine and "The
Arizona Republic" newspaper
- Featured Artist at Anaconda Wildlife Expo 2008
Books: Featured in "Wildlife Art - 60 Contemporary Masters
and Their Work"
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