Footer David A.

About the Artist

For over 63 years, David Footer has been involved with nature and wildlife on many levels. As a young farm boy, he developed a deep interest in the beauty of nature; and at the age of 10, he became interested in taxidermy.

In these early years as a young trapper, Dave learned the habits of wildlife and the balance of nature. At the same time, his interest grew in art as he borrowed books from the Lewiston Public Library and began studying the works of great masters. Eventually, Dave began to learn the subtle nuances and techniques of using light and color. This valuable knowledge led to Dave's uncanny ability to accurately portray the exact color of fish in his mountings. After 50 years of work, Dave Footer has developed an international reputation in the fine art of spectacular fish mounting and fish painting. Especially for his painting of the beloved Brook Trout, Atlantic and Landlock Salmon; Browns, Goldens, and Rainbows (Steelheads), Cut throats and Lake Trout, Bass Northern Pike and Muskies. His re-creations of fish through wood carving or sculpture and his personal oil painting technique is astounding plus the effect he is able to create when he does an oil painting of a fish on either canvas, board or paddle is truly amazing. It looks like the fish actually is three dinemsional. His commissions include landscapes, homes, special events or even precious moments for people. During a stay at the Wolf Cove Inn, in Maine with his wife Polly, he was awaken by the brillance of the full moon, rising he went to the window and the view was absolutely dazzling. The simmering moonlight across the water inspired him to do a painting in oils and capture the moment. While painting it back in his studio he decided to add a bench beside the big old pine and birches and place he and his wife together there in their younger years with his arms around her shoulders. The painting was sold at the Little Sebago Gallery in Windham.

Dave guided on the famous Broadback River in Northern Quebec for an amazing 26 seasons. During that time, he spent thousands of hours watching the movements of fish. He acquired firsthand knowledge of the wilderness in Maine, Quebec, Labrador, Ungava Bay Region, and Alaska.

Since 1994, his art has been on the covers of Maine Fish and Wildlife, Canada's Eastern Woods and Waters, and in 2002, a 13-page feature story was published in the Art of Angling Journal. His work has been of interest to numerous other publications over the years, ranging from fly- fishing magazines, books and newspapers, and most recently in a pictorial publication from the Images of America series, titled "Rangeley Lakes Region," by Don Palmer, President of the Rangeley Region Guides' & Sportsmen's Association. Palmer gives Dave credit for carrying on the mastery of the taxidermy craft, handed down to him from Herb Welch. Notably, Welch's work at a recent auction in Maine sold for tens of thousands of dollars. Welch has been considered by many to be the best taxidermist of his day.

Perhaps most importantly of all, Dave has gained recognition for his devotion to helping and supporting many programs dedicated to the use and protection of the great outdoors. He has received both the "Award of Merit" and "Certificate of Appreciation" from the "Hooked on Fishing, Not On Drugs" program from The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife's Maine Warden Service. Maine's chapter of The Izaak Walton League, as well as many chapters of Trout Unlimited and Ducks Unlimited throughout the state and country, recognize Dave for his outstanding support and generosity through his art. Dave hopes to share with you some of the special moments in nature; whether it's through his paintings, prints, fish mountings, or other works of art.