Biography
Ray Shaw was born in Afton, Wyoming in 1958 and currently resides in Colorado. His kinship with nature began at an early age and has been a prominent part of his life. Ray first picked up a brush at the age of seven. He practiced falconry from the age of fifteen years old and cared for wounded birds at the age of seventeen.
The Air Force Academy purchased a painting of a peregrine falcon for their library collection when Ray was only eighteen years old. He joined the Navy and painted for admirals and captains of the seventh fleet.
After being discharged from the armed forces, Ray painted in Old Town San Diego for tourist for five years. He then established the “Bullocks Fine Art Gallery of San Diego”, representing over sixty-five artist in the area. Additionally, Ray founded Feathers and Fabrics of California, featuring shirts printed with many of the birds he painted.
In 1990, Ray studied painting in as master class taught by Robert Bateman. Sculpting is another fine art of Ray’s. His piece, “Pheasants Forever’, had over 2000 reproductions.
Currently, Ray is filming a pilot for a new television series, called ArtSafaris with Ray Shaw, about his travels into the wilds and the Images he captures on canvas.
Ray has lived in many of the western states, including Utah, Idaho, Washington, and California, developing a deep appreciation for wildlife. Currently living on a small ranch in the Colorado Rockies with his dog, cat, parrot, and his barnyard of animals, he spends his time painting, communing with the native wildlife, and living out his passion for his art, his work, and his connection to nature.
Awards
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Ray’s many accomplishments include being in the top 100 in the nation for the Arts in the Parks competition.
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He won the Frontier Airline’s National Painting Competition for their ten-year anniversary celebration.
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His paintings are prized possessions for distinguished private collectors and have toured in art museums and galleries across the United States.
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Additionally, Ray has been a major donor for many conservation programs.
