Doug Levitt
Artist

An Artist Statement:
"I began painting Native themes from a series of dreams I had in 2001 and I quickly transitioned into doing extensive research into the culture of the People and traveling all across North America meeting and working with various tribes in an effort to present historically accurate images that celebrate, preserve and honor Native peoples. I recently heard a quote by Louis Riel:
"My people will sleep for one hundred years, but when they awake, it will be the artists who give them their spirit back."
This captures my intent profoundly and serves as a far better mission statement than I could ever write.

Doug's journey to become a fine artist took many years but makes for an interesting story. He drew avidly as a child growing up but hadn't painted until 2001 after a near death experience convinced him to try what he had been dreaming of for so many years.

But its more humorous start would have to begin with the fact that he failed art in high school and so he followed his other passion which was acting. From high school to 1998, Doug worked as an actor and director in stage, TV and film. He became one of the founding performers of the Rosebud Dinner Theatre and also starred in two pilot television shows and numerous other film and TV spots. After leaving acting in 1998, he was commissioned to do a portrait of hockey legend Guy LaFleur, and the series of graphite drawings that ensued are now displayed in venues throughout North America. In 2001 he was also recognized for his award winning web design.

Since then, however, Doug has devoted himself full-time to fine art, oil paintings and graphite/charcoal drawings being his preferred mediums. His historical works seek to preserve moments from the North American Indian way of life and to explore themes of the West. These pieces reflect Doug's passion for authentic detail as well as drama, texture and a beautiful sense of light. His contemporary works focus on commissioned portraits and plein-air landscapes.

Doug considers his 'big break' to have been when he was juried into the Calgary Stampede Western Art Showcase in 2003 and has been exhibiting his works at
the Stampede ever since. His paintings are gaining wide attention for an artist
still young in his career and as a result, his works are in collections as far away
as Australia, New Zealand and in some of the finest private collections in Canada
and the American Southwest. He regularly receives invitations to attend
prominent exhibitions in Canada and the United States. He also attended the prestigious invitation only 'Artist Ride' in South Dakota in 2004 and 2005 where he staged many scenarios for future paintings. In 2007, Doug was commissioned to paint the image used for the 2008 Calgary Stampede Poster which promotes the Stampede world wide. He is represented by Mountain Trails Gallery in Jackson, Wyoming and Cody, Wyoming.

See the events page for more details and links.