John Seerey-Lester, b. 1945, Manchester, England

John Seerey-Lester is internationally recognized for his paintings depicting East African as well as North American wildlife.  With work hanging in the White House, and in permanent, private and Museum collections throughout the world, he has become one of the most renowned of today’s wildlife and historic artists.  Not only is his work recognized world-wide for his depiction of large mammals and birds of prey, but his skill and unmistakable style have become easily identifiable to art fans, novices and experts alike. Seerey-Lester was born in Manchester, England where he grew up with a sketchbook in hand.  He became a professional artist in 1974, initially painting portraits and nostalgic scenes of English urban life.

It was in 1980, after making his first trip to East Africa, that Lester began painting images of the natural world.  His respect for the work of fellow English artist, David Shepherd, heavily influenced his decision to travel to Africa and paint wildlife.  This trip became a turning point in his career.

Since his first African trip, John Seerey-Lester has traveled the world over in search of the magnificent wildlife he portrays on canvas.  He has traveled to most parts of Canada, Alaska, China, Africa, Antarctica, The Arctic, Europe, South and Central America, India and Nepal.

Education
• Sulford Art College
Selected Exhibitions
• Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Birds in Art & Wildlife: An Artist's View, Wausau, WI, 1983-2014
• Gilcrease Museum
• National Museum of Wildlife Art
• Bennington Center for the Arts
• Nature in Art Museum
• Pacific Rim Wildlife Art Show
• South Eastern Wildlife Expo
• Florida Wildlife Expo

Selected Press
• Best of Wildlife Art 1 & 2, 2014
• Wildlife Painting Techniques, 2014
• Wildlife Artists at Work, 2014
• Wildlife Techniques of Modern  Masters, 2014
• African Wildlife Art, 2014
• Modern Masters of Wildlife Art, 2014
• Legends of the Hunt, 2009
• Useppa A Passage in Time, October 2007
• Impressions of India and Nepal, Venice, FL
• Painting Wildlife with John Seerey-Lester, Venice, FL, 2003
• Face to Face with Nature; The Art of John Seerey-Lester, Venice, FL, 1995

Selected Publications
• Best of Wildlife Art 1 & 2, 2014
• Wildlife Painting Techniques, 2014
• Wildlife Artists at Work, 2014
• Wildlife Techniques of Modern  Masters, 2014
• African Wildlife Art, 2014
• Modern Masters of Wildlife Art, 2014
• Legends of the Hunt, 2009
• Useppa A Passage in Time, October 2007
• Impressions of India and Nepal, Venice, FL
• Painting Wildlife with John Seerey-Lester, Venice, FL, 2003
• Face to Face with Nature; The Art of John Seerey-Lester, Venice, FL, 1995

Affiliations
• Society of Animal Artists, Berthoud, CO
• Society for Wildlife for The Nation, United Kingdom
• Artists for Conservation
• Oil Painters of America
• Southern Plein Air Artists, Founding Member
Public Collections
• Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum’s permanent collection
• Gilcrease Museum
• National Museum of Wildlife Art,
• Bennington Center for the Arts, and Nature in Art Museum.
• White House, Washington, D.C.

Awards & Honors
• Artists for Conservation, AFC Conservation Artist Award, May 2014
• Knighted by His Imperial and Royal Highness Archduke Andreas of Austria.
• Susan K. Black Foundation, Award of Excellence
• Sporting Classics, Artist of the Year, 2012
• Useppa” won a Silver Medal for its images and outstanding historical content.
• Legends of the Hunt, Silver Medal for Historical content, 2009.
• Ring of Freedom Award, NRA
• Commendation by-His Royal Highness Prince Phillip for work in conservation. 
• Society of Animal Artists, Award of Excellence and the Patricia Allen Bott Award for his Mara River Horse, 2002
• Society of Animal Artists, Award of Excellence, “White On White”, 2006.