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.
Artists Win Conservation Award
Osprey, Fla. - Oct. 27, 2014
Wildlife artists John and Suzie Seerey-Lester have just returned from Canada, where they jointly received the prestigious Simon Combes Award for Conservation.
It was presented to the couple at the Artists for Conservation (AFC) Festival held on top of the spectacular Grouse Mountain in Vancouver, British Columbia. The event was of particular importance to the Seerey-Lesters because of their close friendship with the English artist, Simon Combes, for whom the award is named, who died tragically in Africa some ten years ago.
John and Suzie said they were honored to receive the award, which is a magnificent bronze sculpture by Peter Gray of South Africa, and is displayed prominently in their home in Osprey, Florida.
The Seerey-Lesters have been involved in raising funds for conservation for over 30 years. John has raised millions of dollars personally to save African and American wildlife and habitat. Both devote a large amount of time raising funds for their favorite groups. Below are a few of the organizations they support.
With the splendor of the autumn season in full swing and paired with the celebrated Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival, Trailside Galleries debuts its highly anticipated Fall Gold exhibition and sale. The highlight of the gallery’s fall art season, Fall Gold coincides with the Fall Arts Festival and includes a group exhibition, several solo showcases and other happenings. It kicks off September 1. The group exhibit includes a fine selection of wildlife, landscape, and sporting art by artists Dustin Van Wechel, Brent Cotton, James Morgan, George Northup, Kyle Sims, Dan Smith, Adam Smith, John DeMott, Tucker Smith, Kent Ullberg, Kathy Wipfler, and Sarah Woods, among others. There will be an artists’ reception September 13 from 4 to 7 p.m. with many of the show participants in attendance for meet and greet.
Fall Arts offers Hagege wider audience
Jackson Hole News & Guide
By Dina Mishev
Maryvonne Leshe, Managing Partner at Trailside Galleries, said Fall Arts Festival is the perfect time to introduce to audiences new artists she feels strongly about. “You’re guaranteed a large audience that has many highly experienced collectors in it,” she said.