BRIAN MCNICHOLAS

ARTIST STATEMENT

 

 

My name is Brian McNicholas. I am a self-taught Oregon artist who enjoys drawing and painting animals, nature scenes and Native American portraits. Although I am a native Oregonian, I spent most of my childhood in Montana and have always been interested in Western history and particularly in the Plains Indians culture.

At an early age I was exposed to the work of the great western artists, Charlie Russell, Olaf Carl Seltzer and Frederick Remington. These wonderful artists captured my imagination and instilled in me a lifetime interest in animals, western themes and Native American history.

After graduating from the University of Montana with a degree in Sociology, I began my career in youth services. Early on, I had the opportunity to work with Native American children. My ability in art and my interest in their history and culture helped me build rapport and a bridge toward effective communication. They say if you are a teacher, it is by your students you will be taught. Those children with their wonderful names taught me a great deal about their culture and the stark realities of their lives.

In my drawing and painting of animals and people, I try to place them in authentic situations communicating to the viewer a feeling for the subject itself. I study my subjects closely. I care about the animals and people I draw. Each has its own unique story and history. I take the time to research my subjects. The more I know and care about them the greater chance I will be able to communicate that through my work.

Finally, I try to present the animals and people I draw in a realistic style with the respect and attention to detail they deserve.

 

--Brian McNicholas