MARK RICKER

“Where nature is the canvas”

Born and raised in Northern Ontario, Mark’s passion for the outdoors developed at an early age. Although he didn’t pursue art as a career until later in life, he remained an avid outdoorsman.

Mark began painting seriously in 1993 when some of his paintings of NHL hockey players were purchased by an American company and made into limited edition prints. He then decided to make artwork his chosen field.

Mark holds diplomas in Creative Advertising, Art and Design and a post graduate diploma in Multimedia Design. After teaching in the Art Design Program at Niagara College, Mark became a full time wildlife artist in 2001 and opened his studio/gallery in downtown Port Colborne.

​Over the years, Mark has refined his skills and style to what he is known for today. Mark paints on feathers, antlers, claws, hides, rocks, wood, leaves and anything found in nature.
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“ What could be more natural for a wildlife artist than using and painting on things created by Mother Nature herself? The medium becomes part of the artwork. It dictates the final outcome of the piece. I just follow where it takes me.”

Mark’s artwork has been used to raise thousands of dollars for such wildlife conservations organizations such as the Ontario Federation of Hunters and Anglers, Ducks Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Safari Club International, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and many other charities and causes.

After a five year hiatus from painting, Mark took up the brush once again in 2019. In his first show back, he won the “People’s Choice” award at the 2019 Welland Rose Festival’s Art Show. Mark continues to travel and spend time in the wilds of Ontario to gather inspiration for his paintings.
  
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​Artist Website – www.markrickerstudio.com

GREAT HORNED OWL – Acrylic