Luke

Luke’s mother’s side of the family were ranchers, and he grew up on farms where his grandfather would give him a few dollars when he drew the cattle and horses. This is where Luke first fell in love with making art based on wildlife. After introducing Luke to art as a very young child, his mother continues to influence and inspire him. Still an active artist, Luke’s mother is currently working with wood burning techniques. “My mother was a bronze patina artist during my junior high and high school years,” says Luke, “She is probably the most influential artist in my life.”

During high school, Luke painted backdrops and created props for his high school’s drama program. “I even created sculptures out of scrap metal in welding class,” says Luke, “As a result, The Art Institute of Seattle offered me a scholarship.” Earning an Associates Degree in animation and illustration, The Art Institute offered a life drawing program that made a great impact on Luke, “We would take trips to the zoo, and draw the animals. I started going on my own accord where I fell in love with the elephants—they seemed to know I was drawing them after a while and would hold poses for hours; the Orangutans would do the same.”

For the last several years, Luke has been doing live painting at music festivals around Missoula, Montana. “I leaned my canvas up against a fence near the stage and began painting. The music filled my spirit and I felt confidence. I could feel the energy flowing from the music to the crowd and into me, then back into the crowd.” Luke has also recently begun doing live painting fundraisers for children’s shelters, food banks, and wildlife foundations. Luke knows persistence and resilience are two necessary qualities for the artist’s journey, particularly when the chips are down. “I've never had much success financially, which has stopped me once, but won’t again, thanks to support from RTR.” Read full bio