Dave Wade

DAVE WADE (1952 - 2019): Dave Wade was an American wildlife painter celebrated for his vivid portrayals of animals in their natural habitats. Born on February 26, 1952, he developed a lifelong passion for wildlife, which became the central inspiration for his artistic career. He studied at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles before beginning his full-time painting career in 1976. Wade was known for his bold brushwork, vibrant colors, and masterful use of light, combining expressive painting techniques with careful attention to anatomical accuracy and natural detail. He often used digital photography to study animal behavior, movement, and poses, allowing him to capture wildlife with both authenticity and artistic energy. Influenced by artists Bob Kuhn, Ken Carlson, and Richard Schmid, Wade developed a distinctive style that conveyed the character of animals and their connection to the surrounding landscape. After living in the mountains of Wyoming, he and his family settled in southern Utah near Zion National Park, where the region's abundant wildlife continued to inspire his work. Throughout his four-decade career, he received numerous honors, including multiple awards in the Arts for the Parks competition and five wins in the Wyoming Art Stamp competition. He also received the Major General and Mrs. Don D. Pittman Wildlife Award twice at the Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition in Oklahoma City. Wade's paintings remain admired for their ability to evoke an emotional connection between viewers, wildlife, and the natural world. He died on October 5, 2019.