Dave English
Meridian
Summary
A former illustrator of over forty years that has successfully illustrated for the entertainment, editorial and advertising industries who has transitioned into the fine arts currently creating award winning landscape, wildlife and western paintings of our American west. Former clients included: Disney, 20th Century, Fox, Tri-Star, Paramount, Warner Brothers, MGM, Barnum & Bailey, Los Angeles Times, T.V. Guide, FASA books, Peterson’s publishing, Chesterfield, Purina, and many more. Recognized with numerous awards in illustration and fine art, ranging from gold medals to other awards at various design conferences, shows, and plein air events. Currently creating paintings found in many permanent and private collections at Utah State University, The Idaho State Supreme Court, the Smithsonian, Los Angeles Times, Sierra Club, Mule Deer Foundation, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and more.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President
Plein Air Painters of Idaho
01.2023 - Current
- Currently serve as Vice President of the Plein Air Painters of Idaho
- Taught occasional workshops to increase membership and organizational profits.
- Established and directed successful programs focused on plein air painting.
- Presented business plans and forecasts to board of directors.
- Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions.
Fine Artist
Self-employed
10.1993 - Current
- Enhances gallery sales by creating captivating and innovative artwork that attracts a diverse audience.
- Creates paintings for and participates in a variety of exhibitions and shows to showcase work.
- Secures multiple prestigious awards, elevating recognition and increasing market value of work.
- Contributes artwork to charity auctions, supporting non-profit organizations.
- Manages creative process from concept to completion for various art projects.
- Mentors aspiring artists in technique development and creative processes, encouraging their growth within the field.
- Shares unique observations and perspectives in a manner that invokes an emotional connection.
- Retains the strong fundamental foundations of sound design, composition, value, color, and draftsmanship
Hunting and Fishing Guide
Vermejo Park Ranch
08.1991 - 11.2021
- Received and maintained an Outfitter and Guide license for New Mexico and Colorado
- Provided guiding services for elk, deer, antelope, buffalo, bear, mountain lion, bighorn sheep, mountain goats and moose.
- Provided ranch security, road and trail maintenance.
- Educated clients on local species, habitats, and techniques for successful hunts, leading to excellent customer satisfaction.
- Increased repeat clientele by maintaining strong relationships and ensuring memorable guided hunting trips.
- Promoted sustainable practices by educating clients on selective fishing methods and proper fish handling techniques.
Nuclear Planner
Los Alamos National Laboratories
10.2002 - 10.2019
- Maintained a high level Security clearance
- Designed and created illustrations for highly classified nuclear weapons projects
- Worked directly with high level officials on sensitive projects
- Successfully met all project deadlines
- Demonstrated dedication, attention to detail, strong communication skills, hard work ethics, professionalism and integrity
Creative Team Lead
United States Dept. of Energy
04.1990 - 10.2019
- Received and maintained a high level Security clearance
- Designed and created illustrations for highly classified projects
- Communicated with high level officials for sensitive project instructions
- Successfully met all project deadlines
- Demonstrated commitment to excellence, professionalism, and adherence to all project requirements.
Freelance Illustrator
Self
09.1983 - 06.1993
- Created artwork in a variety of Medias for entertainment, editorial, and advertising, industries from conceptual drawings to finished artwork.
- Clients included: Disney, 20th Century, Fox, Tri-Star, Paramount, Warner Brothers, MGM, Prism Entertainment, Action International, Barnum & Bailey, Los Angeles Times, T.V. Guide, FASA books, Peterson’s publishing, Adolf Coors, Chesterfield, Purina, and many more.
- Consistently produced high-quality artwork under tight deadlines, resulting in increased client retention rates.
- Enhanced visual storytelling by creating compelling illustrations for various projects.
- Interfaced with art directors, CEO’s, printers and publishers at all levels of management to meet tight deadlines conforming to client requirements.
- Managed multiple illustration projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and client satisfaction.
Illustrator/Student Teacher
Utah State University, USU
09.1983 - 06.1984
- Actively illustrated for the entertainment and editorial industries developing illustrations for Movie posters and magazines while also student teaching.
- Managed multiple illustration projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and client satisfaction.
- Strengthened relationships with existing clients through timely delivery of exceptional work.
- Worked with professors to learn about current standards and best practices.
- Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
- Mentored students, fostering professional growth and skill development.
- Provided constructive feedback to help students hone their skills and improve their work quality.
Education
Commercial Art/Illustration
Utah State University
Logan, UTPolice Officer Standard Training Certification - Police Officer Standard Training
Jefferson County Sherrif Department
Golden CO02-2001
Associate of Science - Nuclear Security
Eastern Idaho Technical College
Idaho Falls, ID04-1990
Skills
- Strong application of fundamentals of good art
- Communicates atmosphere, emotions, and feelings
- Visual storyteller
- Creative ingenuity
- Multiple medias and techniques
- Art instructing, teaching and mentoring
Accomplishments
- 2 pieces juried into exhibition, current judging - 2025 Brinton Museum “Birds in Art” Show
- Juried into exhibition, current judging - 2025 Oil Painter of America National Juried Exhibition
- Honorable Mention - 2024 Oil Painter of America Fall online Show
- Best of Show - 2023 Art Source Annual Northwestern Regional Show
- Best of Show - 2022 Art Source Annual Northwestern Regional Show
- Four Top 100 Finalists - January 2025 Plein Air Salon
- Honorable Mention, Three Top 100 Finalists - October 2024 Plein Air Salon
- Top 100 Finalists - September 2024 Plein Air Salon
- Best Western, Honorable Mention - August 2024 Plein Air Salon
- 1stPlace Overall, Best Nocturn - April 2024 Plein Air Salon
- People’s Choice, 1st Place, Honorable Mention 2024 - Driggs Plein Air Festival
- People’s Choice, 2nd Place, 2nd Place Quick Draw 2023 - Driggs Plein Air Festival
- People’s Choice, Artist Choice, 3rd Place 2022 - Driggs Plein Air Festival
- People’s Choice, Honorable Mention, 3rd Place Quick Draw, Best of Show 2021 - Driggs Plein Air Festival
- Grand Champion, 2D 2024 - Eagle Plein Air Festival
- Grand Champion, Best Architecture – 2023 Eagle City Purchase Award
- 1stPlace, Eagle City Purchase Award, 3rd Place Quick Draw - 2022 Eagle Plein Air Festival
- 1stPlace - 2021 Eagle Plein Air Festival
- 2ndPlace Quick Draw, 3rd Place - 2020 Eagle Plein Air Festival
- Student Gold Medal - 1984 New York Society of Illustrators
- Honorable Mention - 1986 Los Angeles Society of Illustrators and Designers
- Best of Show - 1983 The Design Conference That Just Happens to be in Park City
- Best of Show - 1985 The Design Conference That Just Happens to be in Park City
- Best of Show and Honorable Mention - 1986 Utah State University Inaugural Annual Art Show and competition
Recent achievements
Past achievements
Timeline
Vice President
Plein Air Painters of Idaho
01.2023 - Current
Nuclear Planner
Los Alamos National Laboratories
10.2002 - 10.2019
Fine Artist
Self-employed
10.1993 - Current
Hunting and Fishing Guide
Vermejo Park Ranch
08.1991 - 11.2021
Creative Team Lead
United States Dept. of Energy
04.1990 - 10.2019
Freelance Illustrator
Self
09.1983 - 06.1993
Illustrator/Student Teacher
Utah State University, USU
09.1983 - 06.1984
Commercial Art/Illustration
Utah State University
Police Officer Standard Training Certification - Police Officer Standard Training
Jefferson County Sherrif Department
Associate of Science - Nuclear Security
Eastern Idaho Technical College
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