Dustin Curtis grew up hunting and spending time in the outdoors in northern Alabama.  Having spent the majority of his time in the woods and outdoors as a youngster instilled a passion for nature and wildlife that continues today.  He was also active in several sports, including football, basketball, and golf. Dustin started drawing and sketching at a very early age, following other artists in his family.  He won his first drawing competition at the age of 14 with a drawing of a red-tailed hawk.

Growing up hunting and exploring outdoors influenced Dustin’s path toward wildlife and nature art.  This love of the outdoors even influenced his decision to become a United States Marine, where he spent even more time in the great outdoors and traveled around the world during a four year tour as an active duty Marine.

Dustin is proficient in Acrylic and Oil painting, but drawing is the foundation of his art.  Dustin’s fundamentals in drawing are important to him and he constantly draws and sketches like many of the artists he respects and admires.  One master artist who he studies the most is not a wildlife artist, but his style and teachings have been important to Dustin’s growth as an artist.  “Richard Schmid is one artist I admire and in one of Richard’s books he mentions that drawing correctly is one of the most important things for an artist.  When I read that for the first time it was encouraging to me because I was always in to drawing.  I still draw a lot and I think I always will.  Painting is drawing with paint.”

Dustin completed the Art Instruction School of Minneapolis’ study course as a teenager.  He learned valuable techniques and skills during these studies and one graduate of the Art Instruction School stood out to him and left a lasting impression;  wildlife artist Les Kouba.

“When I studied Les Kouba’s work as a teenager, I knew this was what I was passionate about.  I had to draw and paint many things during the course, but the wildlife studies was where my passion was.  I sketched and drew every Les Kouba painting and drawing I could get my hands on during that time, even though I was supposed to be concentrating on other aspects of art at times.  I did very well in the course but I loved the wildlife studies, and that made a difference.” 

 

After an honorable discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps, Dustin earned his degree from the University of North Alabama in Florence, Alabama.

Dustin currently resides in Decatur, Alabama with his wife and two children.  His work can be found in several galleries throughout Alabama.

Dustin Curtis

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