David Yorke

As far back as memory allows, David Yorke's desire was to become an artist. Inspired by paintings from his great, great uncle and encouraged by his family, he went on to receive his formal art training at the University of Florida, earning a degree in Advertising Design. Working initially in the field of television media, he further developed his abilities as an illustrator while acquiring skill for constructing film sets and props. After art directing for a time, he eventually left Florida for the mountains of north Georgia to work as a toy designer and photographer. Still continuing his passion for painting, he freelanced as a book illustrator. By this time David had gained enough versatility as an artist/designer, that the Disney Studios in Florida hired him in 1995. Working on various projects, he was later given the opportunity to work on the film "Mulan," and eventually found his niche as a full time animation background painter. Nine years and five films later, the studio was closed in 2004. For the first time in his career, David decided to leave the corporate art world and become a full-time fine artist.

Having traveled extensively throughout the west over the past 30 years, David has explored, photographed and developed a fascination with the rugged scenery and people of the west. He regularly attends period reenactments, posing models for his figurative works, while combining elements from various locations.

David Yorke was chosen as one of the "Ten Artists to Watch in 2008" by Southwest Art Magazine. He has a feature article in the April 2008 issue of Western Art Collector Magazine. He has also been recognized by the National Park Academy of the Arts and has been included in their top 100, 200 and Miniature Landscape Exhibitions, also receiving an Award of Merit in 2003. His paintings were part of the "Masters of the American West" exhibition at the Autry National Center in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

"On the Edge of Camp" by David Yorke, 24" x 30" Oil on Canvas, $9,500

"Assiniboine" by David Yorke, 24" x 30" Oil on Canvas, $8,000

"Beyond Boundaries" by David Yorke, 30" x 20" Oil on Canvas, $8,500

"Stampede" by David Yorke, 18"x24" Oil on Canvas, $6,000

"Oglala Lakota Woman" by David Yorke, 14" x11" Oil on Canvas, $3,000

"One of Many Chiefs" by David Yorke, 14"x11" Oil on Canvas, $3,000

The above paintings will be available at the "Wildlife & Western Visions Art Show" on April 26th & 27th, 2008, in St. Petersburg, FL.

For more information about the show or purchasing artwork, please call The Plainsmen Gallery 1-888-779-2240

To see more artwork by David Yorke, click here