The paintings of David Lanier reflect a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature. A lifetime of careful observation gives way to richly detailed renderings of the natural world that remind us to slow down and marvel at the wondrous life that surrounds us.
Born in 1962 in Albany, Georgia, David spent much of his youth camping, hunting, and fishing across the southeastern states. Today, Lanier reflects on those early excursions as the most important influence on his decision to paint nature. “I am fortunate to have parents that introduced me to the outdoors at an early age. We have made countless canoe trips together fishing and photographing wildlife,” says Lanier.
While Lanier’s observational skills were honed at an early age, he did not begin painting until his third year in college, when he enrolled in the famed Ringling School of Art in Sarasota, Florida. After graduating with honors in 1985, Lanier began a brief stint as a commercial artist before deciding to paint wildlife full time. “The decision to paint wildlife was an easy one,” states Lanier. “I believe it is my purpose in life to show others the beauty that surrounds us and, hopefully, point people to the Divine Creator whose work I can only imitate. We are so blessed to live on such a diverse planet where the natural world is so alluring. How mundane it would be if our geography resembled that of the moon or Mars. I choose to believe that God created this world to keep us in a constant state of wonder and amazement, and it is because of that fascination that I paint the scenes and animals that I do.”
David often balances his landscape paintings with a mix of sporting art, a reflection of his favorite pastimes. “I grew up hunting and fishing with my father and now I continue that tradition with my own son,” says Lanier. “Sporting dogs are a favorite subject because they convey so much emotion and intelligence.” Despite his love for traveling, Lanier’s commissioned projects take him all over the country, as he paints dogs, landscapes and sporting scenes for discerning collectors.