The Art of Ezra Tucker at The Nicolaysen Art Museum
The Art of Ezra Tucker is an exhibition that showcases the forty paintings produced by the artist from 1985 through 2023. The artworks are divided into three groupings: Classic mega fauna, Untold Stories, and Allegory, Fantasy, Illustration, and Narrative.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Inspiration
Ezra Tucker was born into a family of Pentecostal ministers. His story is one of adaptation, growth, and extraordinary achievement. As a child, Ezra was inspired by the illustrations in his parents’ Bibles. He spent hours drawing scenes of biblical scripture, fueling his imagination with infinite possibilities for creative expression.
- As a child, Ezra Tucker searched through magazines, newspapers, books, comics, and watched television programs to fuel his imagination.
- His aunt was a librarian who brought him old magazines, including the Saturday Evening Post, which he eagerly devoured.
- A child of the late 1950s and 1960s, young Ezra expressed himself through dioramas of prehistoric creatures made from clay and tempera-painted cardboard cutout figures of animals entering Noah’s Ark.
Development of Artistic Talent
In 1967, Ezra Tucker’s brother gave him a book titled, Animal Drawing: Anatomy and Action for Artists by Charles Knight. This sparked his ambition and led him to research professional possibilities. As a result, he spent thousands of hours copying paintings, drawings, maps, photos, graphs, etc.
| Years | Education/Experience |
|---|---|
| 1968 | Received 24 volume set of World Book Encyclopedias on credit. |
| 1970s | Designed and created stage sets for theatrical performances, athletic poster art, and bulletin board decorations at Hamilton High School. |
| 1977 | BFA and graduated with honors from the Memphis Academy of Arts. |
A Career in Illustration
After earning his BFA, Ezra Tucker began his career as an illustrator for Hallmark Cards. He subsequently flourished in Los Angeles with commercial art contract work, including assignments for Hollywood film studios, and illustration work for publications in Chicago and New York.
A Transition to Fine Art
In the 1980s, Ezra Tucker settled with his wife in Solvang, California, and began to transition his career from that of an illustrator to fine art. He was represented by galleries in Aspen and the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs.
A Full-Fledged Career as an Independent Artist
In Colorado, Ezra Tucker devoted himself to a full-fledged career as an independent artist. He has never looked back.
Characteristics of Ezra Tucker’s Wildlife Art
Ezra Tucker’s wildlife art is characterized by its:
- Dynamic composition
- Unexpected color
- Lighting
- Scale
His subjects seem alive and animated, ready to step out of two dimensions into a three-dimensional world.
Ezra Tucker’s Philosophy
Ezra Tucker believes that a successful work of fine art should be educational, inspirational, and entertaining, and evoke an emotional response from the viewer.
The Art of Ezra Tucker Exhibition
The Art of Ezra Tucker exhibition is the first traveling museum exhibition of artworks by Ezra Tucker. The exhibition will tour six museums in the United States, including:
- Hiram Blauvelt Art Museum (Oradell, NJ)
- Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (Chicago, IL)
- The Haggin Museum (Stockton, CA)
- The Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts (Houston, TX)
- The Nicolaysen Art Museum (Casper, WY)
- San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts (San Angelo, TX)
The exhibition is produced by David J. Wagner, L.L.C. and will be on display from April 11 to June 15, 2025, at The Nicolaysen Art Museum.
Supporting the Nicolaysen Art Museum
To support the Nicolaysen Art Museum, please consider donating to help continue its mission and vision. You can visit thenic.org/donate for more information.
Ezra Tucker’s art is a testament to his extraordinary achievement and a reminder of the importance of preserving the natural world.
The Art of Ezra Tucker: A Legacy of Creativity and Conservation
Ezra Tucker’s life and art are a testament to the power of creativity and the importance of preserving the natural world. His exhibition at The Nicolaysen Art Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in wildlife art, conservation, and the creative process.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the exhibition about?
- A: The exhibition showcases the forty paintings produced by Ezra Tucker from 1985 to 2023.
- Q: What is the significance of the exhibition?
- A: The exhibition is the first traveling museum exhibition of artworks by Ezra Tucker and highlights the importance of preserving the natural world through art.
A Message from the Curator
The curator of the exhibition, David J. Wagner, Ph.D., states, “Ezra Tucker’s art is a testament to his extraordinary achievement and a reminder of the importance of preserving the natural world. I am honored to have had the opportunity to curate this exhibition and share it with the public.”
Get Involved
To get involved with the exhibition, please visit thenic.org/donate for more information. You can also follow @nicartmuseum on Instagram for updates on the exhibition.
A Message from Ezra Tucker
Ezra Tucker’s statement, “The challenge I have for myself is to present the beauty and majesty of the natural world to encourage the preservation of wildlife and diversity through my art,” highlights the importance of his work in promoting conservation and sustainability. The exhibition is a testament to Ezra Tucker’s creative vision and his commitment to preserving the natural world.
About the Author
The author of this article is NJ Beeson Wallace, Marketing Manager at The NIC. For more information, please visit thenic.org.