The Artist:
David
Grote grew up on a dairy farm in central Wisconsin on the edge of the Chequamegon National Forest near Medford. He studied at The Minneapolis College of Art and Design and received a B.F.A. in
Creative Arts from Mount Scenario College. He then continued his education receiving an M.F.A. in Painting and Ceramics from
Idaho State University.
Looking at David’s work, it’s easy to see what inspires his oil paintings. Orchards,
berries and gardens flourish in the sandy soils of the 15 acre wooded farm in Northern Wisconsin that David shares with his
partner, Tom, and a variety of animals. Welsh Corgis Benton and Chumley, livestock guardian dogs Augustus and Isabella , and
barn cats Otto and Trixy are all eager to greet visitors to Whippoorwill farm and Studio. David also keeps honey bees, raises
rare Icelandic Chickens and colourful Icelandic Sheep known for their luxuriant dual-coated fleece which he spins into a lopi
style yarn during the cold, dark Wisconsin winters. The farms residents together with the natural beauty of the area provide
endless inspiration for David’s art. David’s candid paintings and portraits of the farm residents and his attention
to detail give the viewer a glimpse into the privacy of their world that only an artist who has a close connection to their
subject can.
David’s work has been on display in several group and one man shows. His
work hangs in the homes of private collectors and businesses throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota and across the country. David
has taught various art disciplines at Mount Scenario College and Idaho State University. He also served as Assistant Professor
for the University of Wisconsin Extension as 4-H Youth Development Agent in Ashland County, Wisconsin for nine years. In the
summer of 2005 David built his painting studio in a traditional style of a Swedish Falun Red outbuilding. He now works as
a full time Artist and Shepherd.
You can contact David by sending e-mails to:
