Grounded in the experience of nature, David N. Kitler explores the combination of drawing and acrylic media. Appreciation of animals and birds in their natural setting has motivated Kitler to continue his exceptional drawing and acrylic work. In his educational, creative and inspiring drawing and painting instructional videos, Kitler demonstrates his masterful techniques and the results that have led to his international prominence.

Born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, David N. Kitler's appreciation of nature began in his youth, as he explored the Canadian outdoors. Once he realized that the whole world was only a plane trip away, Kitler embarked on longer reference-gathering trips to a number of countries in Africa, parts of Asia, Central and South America, as well as throughout most of the U.S.A., including Alaska. In the meantime, Kitler taught himself to draw and paint, experimenting with a variety of media and techniques.

David N. Kitler's paintings have gained international recognition and are part of corporate and private collections the world over. Kitler is a member of the prestigious Society of Animal Artists, Artists for Conservation, and The Group of Twelve. He has been invited to exhibit in some of North America's major art shows, where he has received a number of Best of Show and Excellence awards. Besides painting, Kitler spends time on research trips, and with the many students in his art classes and workshops, with whom he enjoys sharing his passions for nature and art. Furthermore, he has had the opportunity to spend time in the field with some of the world's top wildlife artists, including Robert Bateman and Carl Brenders. A strong supporter of conservation projects and of his community, Kitler continues to donate works in support of the fund-raising activities of numerous organizations.

When painting, Kitler has two primary objectives: 1) to bring “the wild” within reach for those who have not experienced it themselves, and 2) to provide a permanent reminder for those who have. The ideas for Kitler's paintings are the result of his experiences with his subjects. Some people write their experiences in a journal; Kitler paints them.

Because accuracy and integrity in the depiction of wildlife are of primary importance to him, David N. Kitler travels to where his subjects live. His observations go beyond appearance, proportion, light, and color, to the animal's behavior and interactions within its natural habitat. While there, he also gathers as much reference as possible, from actual specimens (fallen feathers, fur, grasses, etc.), to photographs and slides. Back in the studio, Kitler sifts through the references he has gathered, re-living the experience, and deciding which story he wants to tell at that particular time.

“For me, there are four main steps in creating a piece of art. The first step, the idea, is the most important and also the hardest one.” “In the second step, drawing, all my observations, sketches, specimens, slides, and photographs, must converge into an accurate, yet meaningful image. The third step, the actual painting of the piece, is an easier one. The last step, the signature, is my final stamp of approval.”

David N. Kitler has three acrylic DVD workshops with Creative Catalyst Productions Draw with Confidence: From Basic to Brilliant, Reliable Results in Acrylics: A Medium Demystified, and Painting Nature's Textures in Acrylics.

Ontario College of Art (now the Ontario College of Art & Design University) - Illustration with Honours

Mar/2011:  David N. Kitler and his work are showcased in a Featured Article in the April 2011 issue in The Artist's Magazine.  The multiple-page spread includes several of Kitler's latest pieces - with an emphasis on Kitler's quest for uniqueness and originality in his work - along with a step-by-step demo on acrylics techniques.

Oct/2010: "Madagascar - Creatures of the Night I" is awarded a Medal of Excellence in the 2010 "The Art of Conservation - An International Exhibit of Nature in Art" show.

Dec/2007: "Harpy Eagle Montage" is awarded First Place in the Animal Art category during The Artist's Magazine 24th Annual Art Competition.  Furthermore, "Watchful Gaze - Common Marmoset" is also selected as a finalist. 

Dec/2006: "Pelican Up Close" is awarded Honorable Mention in the Animal Art category during The Artist's Magazine 23rd Annual Art Competition, while "Wren on Thistle" is also selected as a finalist.

Dec/2005: "Lemur Miniature" is chosen as the First Place winner in the Creative Catalyst Productions online Fall Art Show.

Aug/2005: Kitler receives a fellowship grant under the AFC's (formerly WNAG's) Flag Expedition Program.  David's Expedition to the jungles of Panama, to observe and portray the Harpy Eagle, is the first of the groundbreaking program. 

Nov/2004: "Spring Arrival - Cardinal" is selected Best of Show at the Audubon Society of Portland's "Nature & Wildlife Art Competition & Exhibition".

Apr/2004: "Rocky Mountain Eye II" is selected by the Alberta Ducks Unlimited Provincial Council as the 2005 Alberta Artist of the Year.

Oct/2002: For the fourth year in a row, Kitler receives two "Collector's Choice" awards during the ARTessential show (Calgary, AB):  Best of Show Acrylic Painting for "Scarlet over Green", and Best of Show Mixed Media for "Bald Eagle Diptych."

Mar/2002: In his first year at the NatureWorks Wildlife Art Show & Sale in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Kitler receives an Excellence Award for his painting "Full."

Oct/2001: For the third year in a row, Kitler receives two "Collector's Choice" awards during the ARTessential show (Calgary, AB): Best of Show - Acrylic Painting for his "Algonquin Reflection", and Best of Show - New Reproduction award for his new giclée "A Little off the Top."

Oct/2000: For the second year in a row, David receives a Collector's Choice - Best of Show Miniature Painting award during the ARTessential show (Calgary, AB).  This time the award went to his "Yawning Lioness" piece.

Oct/1999: Kitler receives two "Collector's Choice - Best of Show" awards at the ARTessential show (Calgary, AB): "Macaw Study" received the Best of Show Miniature Painting award, while "Lady in Waiting" received the Best of Show New Reproduction award.