Welcome to Kevin S. Burrill Wildlife Art. My name is Kevin Scott Burrill and I've loved painting since I was a boy, though I've only pursued it seriously for a few years now. As much as I can recall, my fascination with wildlife painting started with the paintings in my mother's Audubon Society bird reference book. I would take the book up to my room and flip through it for what seemed like hours, daydreaming about what it would be like to be able to research and paint like that. 

     For a wildlife artist, there's an elusive thrill found in trying to take the amazing feeling that comes from an encounter with an animal or bird while out in nature, and trying to capture those moments in paint for others. If a painting is successful, in my view, it takes those wild experiences and brings them inside to be enjoyed no matter the location or the weather. If you feel even a fraction of the wonder I feel while hiking in the great outdoors, then my art has done its job.

     I was raised in southern New Brunswick, Canada. Our family home was surrounded by thick, old forests, with the perfect mixture of maple, birch, and oak intercut with stands of spruce, fir, and cedar. Perfect for exploring on long hikes with our dog. My dad taught me how to flyfish, run a chainsaw safely, paddle a canoe down a river without getting wet, and how to trap muskrat, beaver, and mink (among many other things). I learned how to observe my surroundings, soak it all in, and learn from even the smallest of creatures. I learned how to respect nature. How to use it responsibly. I will forever be grateful that I was raised with the sun on my skin and the breeze on my face. Understandably, this upbringing has informed what I am most passionate about capturing in my paintings.

     I am new to the art world (despite being in my 40's). Growing up, painting would come in waves, and perfectionism would lead to discouragement, which would lead to setting it aside again (sometimes for months or even years). I decided to get more serious about my art in late 2018, into early 2019. I dove into online research, video lessons, and more. The Covid pandemic shut down followed, and helped me stay focused. The fruit of this new multi-year, concentrated effort has been exciting. In June of 2023 I was officially accepted as a resident artist in Studio 4 at The Arts Depot of Abingdon, Virginia. The Arts Depot is a local historic train depot building repurposed as a tourist attraction where visitors can come and see art shows, purchase and/or commission art, and watch artists working their craft in-person. I'm excited for the connections, the practice, the collaboration, and the supportive environment that this opportunity affords. Since taking my art professional in 2023, I've been blessed to be awarded the 2023 People's Choice Award in the Juried Fine Art competition of the Virginia Highlands Festival. I've split my time between building a body of work, and applying for regional and national events. Year one was exciting, and I can only imagine what year 2 holds (and beyond)! Join me on this journey! If you're interested, you can follow on Instagram (link here), for regular updates on new projects and events.

     Thanks for visiting the site, and don't hesitate to contact me (using the form below) if you have any inquiries about any of the pieces you see listed for sale here, or if you have any ideas about a potential commission. I would love to capture your favorite memory of a pet, a landscape, or an encounter with an animal.