.:David L. Stickel:.

Introducing... David L. Stickel

The art of David L. Stickel evokes a nostalgic response, reflections of the passing of time coupled with the promise of life.

His detail captures the deep character in the faces of older people ... a sense of days gone by in wood colorations of weathered beehives, peeling window frames and old sea vessels, to the exuberance of color in a bouquet of handpicked flowers or the sweet innocence of a child. His eye for detail lends itself well to watercolor, oil and charcoal pencil drawings.

David's Artist Statement:

Known as the Artist of Reflection, I encourage others to reflect on the wonders of the everyday world around us and really see things that our fast pace and busy lives often cause us to overlook.

Through my choice of subject matter and use of light, color and reflections in my work, I want to create art that excites people, makes them spy a treasure across the room and impatiently hurry over to give closer inspection.

People often have difficulty reconciling my 6'9" size with the incredible detailed realism of my paintings. Its hard to imagine someone so large painting such fine detailed compositions often using #1 and #2 size brushes.

In 1982, I dribbled my way to an Art degree at UNC-Asheville on a basketball scholarship. My parents and then elementary school teachers observed from a young age my natural ability to draw and paint. They always encouraged me to work hard and cultivate this God-given ability. I began to draw portraits of people, because to capture someones likeness on paper seemed special and unique. As my ability improved, I was able to draw and paint with increased realism, and my goal was to paint an image on a 2-dimensional surface and make it look 3-dimensional. Like many great masters, I value conveying a message through my representational approach.

My work has exhibited a timeless appeal and value to many that has awarded me numerous honors and awards. Highlights of my art career are achieving Signature Membership status in the National Watercolor Society as well as having my work exhibited at the Salmagundi Club in New York and around the nation as part of the American Watercolor Societys 1992 traveling exhibition.

My work is featured in The Best of Watercolor and The Best of Watercolor Vol. 3 books. I am excited to announce that three of my paintings will be featured in Splash 8 available in October 2004. North Carolina Public Television aired several of my works along the theme of North Carolina is My Canvas.