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Don’s art education started in 1962 at the age of 12.
While living in South Berwick, Maine, he attended oil painting classes in York,
Maine with Edwin Booth. Don’s stepfather, well-known cartoonist and advertising
artist Wilbur Bullock, was a strong influence on Don’s desire to become an
artist. In high school, Don developed an interest in dry brush watercolors and
was especially influenced by Andrew Wyeth and Winslow Homer.
After high school, Don attended The Art Institute of
Boston and took courses from The Famous Artist School. He left school to raise
a family and went to work in the sign industry in 1973. In 1976, Don enrolled
in a portrait class at The Manchester Art Institute instructed by well known New
England artist, James Aponovich.
In the early 1980’s, Don began to use acrylics and
developed an interest in science fiction painting. Redirecting his interest to
aviation art in the late eighties, Don began exhibiting his work at air shows
and art shows throughout New England.
In 1990, Don won purchase prize awards at the Rochester
Art in the Park Show and at The Portland, Maine Sidewalk Art Festival. Many of
Don’s aviation paintings are included in private collections all over the
country.
From 1992 to 1998 Don was pulled away from painting when
he was asked to help restore and maintain several World War II era aircraft.
Don was responsible for recreating authentic paint schemes for the aircraft as
well as promotional materials for various warbird organizations.
As much as he loved flying and the restoration work, he
began to miss his work in the studio. In 1998 he refocused his attention back
to his love of watercolors. That year he enrolled in a watercolor class at the
New Hampshire Institute of Art. In December, at the Institute’s 100th
Anniversary Student Exhibit, Don was awarded first place in the watercolor
category. Bolstered by this experience, he devoted himself to his art while
maintaining his full time career as a sign designer.
With the support of his wife Susan, 2001 marked the first
year Don had exhibited since 1990. In September, Don captured a second place
award in the Downtown Nashua’s Fine Arts Festival.
2002 began with Don being recognized at a juried art show
at the Lawrence Heritage State Park gallery, which featured 136 paintings and
sculptures from area artist.
In 2004 Don took a giant step back to his first art
instruction in 1962 by squeezing out some oil paints on a pallet and creating
beautiful landscapes and seascapes.
Don is a member the Oil Painters of America, New Hampshire Artists Association, Nashua
Area Artist Association, Newburyport Art Association and is also a member and
past president of the Manchester Artist Association.
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