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Gil Menzies

Artist Gil Menzies

Biography

Gil was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta where he still resides with his wife, Lorraine.

One of the gifts his father gave him was an appreciation and a love for the outdoors. Fishing trips along the rivers and camping experiences at sites near lakes were great adventures for Gil with his father. Brown and rainbow trout beckoned in summer as well as pike caught through the ice. Hunting ducks and geese near sloughs provided more excitement, and listening to big game hunting stories at home provided more fuel for future experiences for this young lad.

In school, art and physical education became the favored subjects. In high school, the lab drawings in science were exceptional, a trait that continued throughout the botany and zoology classes in university. Later, as a natural extension, it seemed appropriate for Gil to work for the Calgary Board of Education as a biology teacher and later as an administrator.

He enjoys nature and draws his inspiration from the wilderness areas of Alberta and British Columbia. Currently he is building a lodge in northern British Columbia which is accessible only by plane. Such immersion in nature allows keen observation of animals in their habitat and attention to the details of diverse plant life as well as shadow patterns, cloud formations, and wind effects on the water throughout the day. The solitude and study have inspired the artist to record interpreted details of wilderness events.

In his more recent occupation as a landscape consultant and contractor, he analyzes space and form and arranges these elements in creative and artistic ways by providing customers with a very complex scale landscape design for their property. Similarly in his drawings, Gil tries to follow nature's laws and to capture the true essence of his subjects through the medium of pencil. He hopes to share with the viewer the splendor of the natural setting with detail and realism.

Gil has over 80 drawings which range in size from about 20" x 26" to 24" x 48" which are considered very large by pencil artists who are encouraged to create drawings no larger than 8" x 11." The detail of the drawing is demanding, and Gil does further extensive research to ensure that an animal is in its correct habitat to the extent that the species of trees and/or grass are appropriate. Limited edition prints are available for many of the drawings as well as smaller open edition prints. Packages of art note cards, printed from the originals, are also available as gifts, or individual cards can be framed separately or used in collages.

Gil has done shows in Vancouver, Ottawa, and Calgary. His work can be seen at The Fishing Show in Calgary, Art Market in Calgary, Millarville Farmer's Market in Millarville, World of Crafts in Edmonton, Festival of Crafts in Calgary. Gil's art work has spanned the globe by appearing in Australia, China, England, Greece, and Japan as well as numerous locations in the United States and Canada. Original drawings may be seen at a private gallery by appointment.

Be sure to visit Gil's website at www.menzart.com to see more of this exciting Canadian artist's work.

Birds of a Feather - by Canadian Wildlife Pencil Artist Gil Menzies

His Majesty - by Canadian Wildlife Pencil Artist Gil Menzies

Silent Stalker - by Canadian Wildlife Pencil Artist Gil Menzies

The Hatch - by Canadian Wildlife Pencil Artist Gil Menzies

Eagle of Legends - by Canadian Wildlife Pencil Artist Gil Menzies

Ladies First - by Canadian Wildlife Pencil Artist Gil Menzies

On the Edge - by Canadian Wildlife Pencil Artist Gil Menzies

Autumn Antlers - by Canadian Wildlife Pencil Artist Gil Menzies

Water Leopard - by Canadian Wildlife Pencil Artist Gil Menzies

Click on a picture for a larger image and ordering information

"Truly Canadian Wildlife Art"
MenzArt Gallery - Gil Menzies
Calgary, Alberta Canada

E-mail: lmenzies@menzies.com Website: www.menzart.com

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