Clive Kay
Artist Profile By Moira Gale
When you first set eyes on Clive Kay’s evocative and intricately-painted scenes of the people, landscapes, and wildlife of Africa, it may be hard to believe that such a talented artist could be almost entirely self-taught. Yet, other than some guidance from friends and a few invaluable lessons from the great Canadian artist Robert Bateman himself, Kay simply acted on a burning desire to paint; teaching himself at a young age with a box of paints he purchased while living on his family’s farm in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe).
Over the years, Kay has evolved into a distinguished artist and, after migrating to Canada, was commissioned by Disney to create the inaugural painting for the opening of its Animal Kingdom Theme Park in 1998. In addition to having illustrated many books over the years, he also won the Ducks Unlimited stamp and print competition and was declared its Artist of the Year in 2003.
Kay’s natural talent is evident and his current work is reflective of his environment. Now living in the Southern Ontario countryside, he continues to find inspiration in the natural world – both through his travels and on his doorstep. Using real tail feathers from a wild turkey (supplied by a taxidermist friend) and placing them on a backdrop of maple leaves, Kay has created several pieces by painting various wildlife subjects directly onto the feathers. The result is a stunning paint and nature collage.
Where possible, Kay tries to use the skin of the animal tied in with the subject matter he has painted. For example, his painting of a white-tailed deer is framed with the hide of a white-tailed deer hunted within the Kawarthas. His ‘skin and feather artwork’ sets him apart from other artists.
Kay stays busy travelling to art shows year-round where he often receives requests for commissions of “the family dog.” He is always open to commission work. To contact him, and view all of his beautiful artwork, visit his website: www.clivekay-artist.com
Clive Kay will be exhibiting at the Kawartha Arts Festival on Labour Day weekend in Fenelon Falls.
