Brushes with Nature

This rich array of artwork displays Van Gilder’s diverse interests and includes beautiful images of waterfowl, upland game birds, birds of prey, and big game, carefully portrayed in their natural habitats. There is also a special chapter on the human figure, since the artist credits his interest in human anatomy as central to understanding the many anatomical similarities between humans and animals. Van Gilder, a degreed graphic designer and trained photographer who taught himself to paint, offers his ideas about the approaches and artistic techniques he used to create selected pieces of art. The artist also reveals his early influences in the genre. These intimate insights make for interesting and informative reading for both the collector and the artist, whether practicing or aspiring.