I love FeatureFridays. It is one of my most favorite part's about maintaining a blog. While I love to write, I REALLY love to highlight local businesses who are out there hustling and grinding. So for my final FeatureFriday of 2018, I have the opportunity to spotlight one of the hardest workers I know, my wildly talented wildlife artist husband, Ryan Kirby Art. Now I know that I have a very unbiased opinion, but if you have a knack for art, wildlife, or anything of the sort, Ryan Kirby is one of the best wildlife artists in the country. Born and raised in the small town of Hamilton, IL, Ryan spent his early childhood on the family farm hunting, fishing and enjoying the outdoors. Whether it was a cold November morning or a crisp summer night, you could always find Ryan doing something outside. He loved it, he thrived off of it. Nothing came between him and his love for the outdoors. About Ryan As an adolescent, he started to take a few art classes and noticed that he was fairly talented. He did not fall in love with art right away; rather, he noticed that when his teacher said 'draw a house,' his house just looked a little better than other's houses. As he grew up, other local outdoorsmen began to notice his talent and started commissioning him to paint their dogs. Ryan had a way of capturing these hunting dogs so beautifully, even in their own setting. Pictured below are a couple commissions he painted. As Ryan continued to explore his artistic abilities, he took a few art classes in high school. One class in particular, taught by Mr. Mullins, was where he really learned the fundamentals of art. In 1999 he entered the Federal Junior Duck Stamp contest and took home first place. While he was excited about this great honor, it also taught him a lot of fundamental business aspects at a young age. At 16 years old, he was cutting checks to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service . Pictured below is his award winning junior federal duck stamp. After Ryan's senior class of 49 students crossed the stage on graduation day, he went on to Bradley University in Peoria IL. Initially he had his mind set to be an engineer, but after much consideration, he stuck with his gift, enrolled in their art program and graduated with degrees in Graphic Design and Multimedia. Upon graduation from Bradley, Ryan packed up and moved south to Edgefield, SC for a job as a graphic artist and illustrator for the National Wild Turkey Federation. It was his first job in the outdoor industry (and first real job ever, for that matter). He learned a lot there, made some great friends, and gained context and connections that he has been able to rely upon in his career as an artist. Seven years after graduating college and working for a steady paycheck, he launched out on his own as a graphic designer and wildlife artist. The evolution and work of Ryan Kirby Art Anyone who has started their own business knows the fears that come with it. The fear of not being successful, the fear of not making it, the fear of not being able to provide. The establishment of Ryan Kirby Art was no different. Ryan experienced the same hesitations all entrepreneurs face. What Ryan understood most, amidst all the fears, was if you stay light on your feet, take many small calculated risks, and adjust as necessary, you WILL build a successful business. Over the past six years as a self-employed entrepreneur, Ryan has juggled the many facets of being a full-time graphic designer in the outdoor industry while also painting part-time on nights and weekends. While he genuinely loves both, he always finds himself continually trying to improve his wildlife art. Whether it's reading his favorite book Alla Prima by Richard Schmid or working on his nightly #sketchdaily, Ryan is always striving to advance his artistic abilities. When asked where he gets his inspiration for his art, Ryan's first response is always from his experiences outdoors. As an avid hunter and outdoorsman, Ryan regularly will carry a camera with him on each and every hunt he goes on. He will capture a certain scene from that hunt, bring it back to his iMac, photoshop wildlife into the image and then use that final photo as a reference to paint from. For more on Ryan's inspiration, including how art and wildlife have had tied into his life, check out the below video created by Josh Lawler with Mega Vista Media. As Ryan has continued to expand his knowledge in art, he has developed more of a 'loose' approach. While he enjoys painting all wildlife, his favorite animals to paint are deer and turkey. It is so amazing to watch a blank canvas come to life with the touch of a brush stroke. Not only has he become talented at painting these species, but he has also expanded his art to also focus on elk, waterfowl, sporting dogs and predators. A few of my specific favorite's are : Crossing Guard, Bound & Determined, Georgia (that's our black lab), and Chief. Awards & Exhibitions To say that I am one proud wife would be the understatement of the century. It has been such a joy having a front row seat as Ryan experiences success in doing what he loves. From the days where he painted nights and weekends in a guest bedroom, to now showcasing his work annually at the Southeastern Wildlife Expo, an art exposition designed only for originals, or being the featured cover artist for Outdoor Life Magazine, Ryan is so worthy and deserving of his achievements. While he has earned many awards throughout his career, there are a few that I would be remiss if I did not mention:
GIVEAWAY!!! If I have not sold you on Ryan Kirby Art yet, I encourage you to check out their website, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube channel. One look at Ryan's art and you will be as impressed and inspired as I am. Whether you are a first time visitor to Ryan's website or a faithful follower, I encourage you to take advantage of the 20% off all prints and apparel special, using the code DECKTHEWALLS, now through midnight Saturday December, 15. As an added incentive, I am doing a giveaway for a FREE Artist's Proof Canvas Giclee of 'The Defender' ($350 value). The Defender was also selected for the 2015 Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's Premiere Art Program so this piece is very special. Here is how it works to enter to win:
1. Follow me on Instagram at @mtnmommanc 2. Like this post on my Instagram page and/or my personal Facebook page 3. Tag as many friends as you want separately in the comments of my Instagram page and/or personal Facebook page to be entered into this raffle 4. Winner will be announced Friday December 21 Good Luck!
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I am a wife and momma to a sweet boy named Rhett. I live in the mountains of North Carolina and am saved by grace. I believe in all things family, all things food and all things fun. Archives
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