About the Artist: Don Whittecar
From his home in Stevensville, Montana, Don Whittecar seeks to create art that honors both the rare process of copperplate engraving and the remarkable scenes he depicts.
Engraving itself began as a means of recording information and telling stories on cave walls, and Don Whittecar passionately explores it as an artform to help preserve the beauty of Earth’s wildlife and of life in the West.
While most people are aware of conservation efforts for wildlife and their habitats, few are aware of the need to sustain vanishing art forms. Don’s particular medium, copperplate engraving, is quickly disappearing. His fascination with this artistic process is enhanced by his desire to prolong its use.
Wildlife Art News, an international publication with circulation to over 110 countries, has cited Don as one of only seven or eight wildlife art engravers currently practicing worldwide. (Wildlife Art News, Artists Edition, 2004.)
A Lifetime of Creating
Don’s artistry began as a love of nature coupled with a love of photography, but evolved into a love for engraving and printmaking.
Don’s creative efforts have centered around wildlife and the Western lifestyle. A few of his many notable involvements include:
Grey Wolf Reintroduction Project in Yellowstone National Park
Orca Whale research efforts on San Juan Island, Washington
Wild Horse projects throughout the western U.S.
His photographs have also been utilized by the Whale Research Lab, the Center for Whale Research, the Wolf Hollow Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Center, and the Whale Museum in the San Juan islands.
Now, he exclusively produces engravings, trading in his 4x5 large format film camera for his copper plates, tools and hand printing press.
See photos of Don with his camera below:
