Biography

A self-taught artist, who has never taken a class or opened an art textbook, Ed's work, in pencil and in acrylic paint, has been compared to well-known wildlife artists such as Robert Bateman and Carl Brenders. So realistic in their detail are his paintings that they can easily be mistaken for photographs. Ed jokes that his claim to fame is as "the talllest wildlife artist in the world".

It was his wife, Lisa, who sparked his interest in art. She saw him doodling on a napkin, recognized his special talent and encouraged him to pursue his gift. Ed's artistic career began one Saturday afternoon in 1994, when he created his first piece (he still has the original) after watching a documentary on wolves. The feedback and encouragement from Lisa, family and friends convinced him to pursue his new-found passion.In 1996, Ed became a full-time wildlife artist.

He has always worked with acrylic paints and continually strives to achieve the extra detail that brings his work to life. Ed's paintings reflect his experiences and memories of nature.The creative process begins with an encounter, perhaps only a brief sighting or a glimpse, but enough to fuel his inspirations. From the initial experience, the composition embedded in his mind's eye, Ed re-creates the memories with the help of many reference photos he has taken on location. The final piece truly is a part of him. Extensive adventures through Africa, China, Tibet, India, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, North, Central and South America have greatly influenced his range of subject matter.

Ed's current passion and career has been significantly influenced by his years at Brock. He credits his Brock education for influencing his views and priorities in life. His time at Brock opened his eyes to so many possibilities, broadened his mind and taught him how to be organized, structure his thinking, and how to create a game plan. These qualities helped Ed take his gift and passion for wildlife art and turn it into a thriving and successful business.

Some fact and figures about Ed's work: total number of original paintings in the last 11 years is approximately 300. The total number of wildlife species he has painted (a question no one has asked him before) is approximately 100.

Ed's top 5 wildlife experiences ( in no particular order):- Finding himself amongst a group of 33 mountain gorillas in Central Africa - 20 feet away from a Bengal tiger in India - Waking up 30 feet away from a sleeping grizzly in Alaska - Seeing a female panda with her baby in China, which is rare to see in the wild - A 20-foot female great white shark biting the corner and shaking the diving cage he and Lisa were in during a diving excursion in South Africa

Future adventures for Ed and Lisa include going to Russia to see Siberian tigers, travel through countries such as Australia and Iceland, to see first-hand more endangered primates, and to branch out to the wonders of aquatic life such as dolphins, sea turtles and Great White Sharks. As well, Ed wants to renew his ties with Brock and all the great people he has met along the way.

To learn more about Ed and to see more of his paintings, you can browse this website or visit him at his new art gallery at 135 Queen Street, Niagara-On- The-Lake.


Edward Spera Gallery

Address
135 Queen Street
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Ontario
Canada

Phone
905 468 7447
1-866-754-7447
speraart@vaxxine.com
© Copyright 2008 - Edward Spera - All Rights Reserved