Raul Andrade - Harlingen, TX - Raul Andrade Artwork
In 2014, Laguna Madre Clothing Co. partnered with artist, Raul Andrade in an attempt to offer a different take on Fishing Apparel. Our founder David, grew up in a house surrounded by Raul's incredibly detailed portraits of Texas Wildlife. The decision to showcase Raul's South Texas scenes on a high quality performance fabric quickly took hold. Raul was born in Guadalajara, Mexico - and grew up fishing, hunting and exploring the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. First hand experience and a lifetime of exploring the coast has allowed Raul to bring those scenes to life on canvas.
Raul paints from his childhood memories, throwing lines in the Lower Laguna while imagining a prospective composition in his mind. His style is representative of the immaculate and diverse wildlife that the Texas outdoors has to offer.
His work has been a subject of the Texas art scene for over 20 years. Whether it be a Roseate Spoonbill or a Speckled Trout, nothing short of spectacular leaves his drafting table.
Randy McGovern - Acworth, GA - McGovern Wildlife Collection
Randy McGovern grew up in New Orleans. One day his fourth grade teacher, Sr. Helene saw him draw a horse and buggy and then advised his parents to give him art lessons. Every Thursday, Randy would get on a bus and ride across the city to his art lesson. That year (1964) Randy won a city-wide art contest and the grand prize of $5 which proved to be a good enough incentive to continue. Working in a precise realistic style in oils, Randy feels compelled to portray animals in their most noble character which requires adding a dimension beyond merely duplicating photos of animals in sometimes awkward compositions.
Calvin Carter - Port Neches, TX - Carter's Collections
Calvin Carter's love for art began when he was young. Drawing competitions between family members quickly sparked an interest in art for Calvin.
Relentless in his study of detail, Calvin photographs many outdoor subjects in order to achieve the most accurate representation on the canvas. Calvin's work features everything from Speckled Trout to Cinnamon Teal.
His ability to spread action and movement throughout his paintings makes him one of the most skilled wildlife artists in the nation. His unique perspective captures every detail of the outdoor experience. Calvin was named the Texas Freshwater Game Fish Artist in 2013 for his Crappie stamp.
Calvin graduated from Lamar with a degree in Art and currently teaches art at the local High School. He has a diverse portfolio of large scale projects and commissioned paintings. Calvin currently lives in Port Neches, Texas with his son Austin.
Lowell Shapley - New Caney, TX - Gulf Coast Studios
Lowell Shapley is a wildlife artist from New Caney, Texas. Lowell has studied art and design for over 30 years. His talent extends into a variety of artistic mediums, drawing from his experience in the outdoors. Gulf Coast Studios produces everything from large scale murals to realistic Taxidermy replicas, one of which won Shapley the title of World Champion Taxidermist in 2011 and 2015.
Lowell's artwork knows few limits, detailed large scale murals created with the same accurate precision and perspective as his canvas work. A combination of different painting materials and techniques allows Lowell to create a style that is accurate, representative of the outdoor experience, and truly his.
"As an avid outdoorsman with a passion for wildlife, I have been fortunate enough to see and experience a few wonders of our vast natural world and recreate them in my own artistic expression. Through these experiences and my love of painting, I strive to illuminate the subjects of my works with vivid, explosive color, and the raw, dynamic action of the untamed world. " -Lowell Shapley, Gulf Coast Studios
Lowell graduated from Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO. Lowell currently owns and operates Gulf Coast Studios. More of his works can be found at https://www.gulfcoastpaintings.com/
Crystal Nobles - Austin, TX - Crystal Nobles Fineart
Crystal Nobles is a wildlife artist from Austin, TX. Crystal has made a name for herself in the wildlife art and advertising industries. Her subjects have ranged from Whitetail Deer, Bald Eagles, and large scale murals to be found in hunting retreats, retail and restaurant locations all around Texas. Her Wildlife and Sporting Art has received acclaim across the country as her collection of various scenes grows. Crystal works in a variety of mediums and is influenced by her own experiences in the outdoors. Crystal offers commissioned paintings, custom painted tumblers, and large scale murals.
Les McDonald Jr. - Houston, TX - The Wildlife Art of Les McDonald.
Les McDonald Jr. is a watercolor artist from Houston, TX. He grew up on the Texas gulf coast, where he was surrounded by wildlife. With a BS degree in Commercial Art from Sam Houston State College in Huntsville, Texas. After years of working with Acrylics and Oil paint, in 1986 he became a Full-Time Watercolor Artist. Les's subjects range from outdoor scenery, traditional wildlife coastal scenes and personal portraits.
Les works from his Studio in Houston with his Wife Diane. Les works on many pieces at a time, while one dries, another is placed on his art table for more refinement. Les's painting style is detailed and methodical. He inspects every detail of his paintings for accuracy, considering every leaf or breeze that might change the direction of grass. Les enjoys fishing Galveston Bay or Hunting Duck and Geese. Les draws from his personal experience as a sportsman and his paintings and style is incredibly representative of our great state.
Les has won numerous awards for his Wildlife and Sporting Scenes, to view more of Les's work please visit https://www.lesmcdonald.com/