Only weeks after being named artist of the year by the BC Wildlife Federation, Creston Valley’s Guy Hobbs has been added to the Ducks Unlimited Canada’s roster of artists.
Hobbs’ picture, Winter’s Wolf (acrylic and coloured pencil), was one of 15 artworks selected from more than 3,000 entries that will now be made into limited edition prints to raise funds DUC habitat conservation projects, research, education programs and public policy works.
“I’m very proud to be associated with Ducks Unlimited and to be able to support the great work they do,” Hobbs, a Lister resident, said after learning the news. “I was approached by them last year and asked to submit some of my work, but was very surprised to be selected, particularly given the huge number of entries they had this year. I sincerely wish them the very best with this years fundraising efforts and hope Winter’s Wolf will be productive for them.”
Each year, hundreds of artists submit pieces on various subjects, including wildlife and landscapes, hoping to be included in DUC’s National Art Portfolio (NAP).
“Winter’s Wolf is a piece that means quite a bit to me as it is the first piece of wildlife art I’ve produced that I was truly and completely happy with,” Hobbs said. “It’s based on reference photos of McKinley, the alpha male of the West Yellowstone Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Centre’s high country wolf pack. He is a very large wolf with unusual dark chocolate colouring, and the pictures were taken just after a rain shower. I particularly liked the ‘clumped’ texture this gave his fur and the expression on his face really seemed to sum up his feelings about the weather.
“Seeing my work gaining national exposure and being displayed alongside pieces by artists such as Robert Bateman and Peter Steuart has been a huge confidence booster. My work has evolved a great deal in the last few years and I’m excited to see what the future brings.”
Winter’s Wolf is featured in the 2014 DUC calendar and limited edition prints will be used in various fundraising efforts throughout the year.
“We are extremely impressed at the caliber of talent the NAP attracts and we’re honoured to feature such an outstanding group of artists again this year,” said Scott Baker, national manager of retail programs for DUC. “Our new uncategorized art category is giving all artists — no matter what subjects they paint — the opportunity to be showcased, which in turn will attract new audiences to both the program and DUC. Each and every contributing NAP artist helps our organization grow year after year and their exceptional creativity furthers our efforts to protect marshes and ponds across Canada.”