Chad Poppleton, a resident of Cache Valley Utah, has been passionate about art and
the outdoors for as long as he can remember. His interest began while on the farm
and ranch with his father and grandfather working with animals understanding there
attitudes, behaviors, and confirmations. Chad’s father, also an artist, taught him
how to draw and look at things with an artist’s eye.
Hunting, fishing, riding colts, and exploring in the mountains has molded his
relationship with nature. “Interpreting the behavior and character of each animal in
its natural environment is the motivation for my work. Studying, sketching, life
painting, and observing behavior helps me to find their characteristics and relay that
into the canvas.”
Chad studied at Utah State University directed by Glen Edwards and graduated with
a bachelor’s in Fine Art/ Illustration. Chad continues to study the classical tradition
of Master impressionists and renaissance period work.
In 2018, a lifelong dream was achieved when Chad was inducted into the Cowboy
Artists of America. He has been profiled in Sporting Classics, Art of the West,
Western Art Collector, and Southwest Art Magazine. Chad is a member of the C.M.
Russell Museum’s Skull Society of Artists and was also the featured artist for the
South Eastern Wildlife Expo in 2014. Chad exhibits in the Charlie Russell Museum,
National Museum of Wildlife Art, Scottsdale Art Auction, and Jackson Hole Art
Auction. Chad also supports many local art clubs and conservation efforts in his
region.
One of Chad’s proudest accomplishments was earning the Bob Kuhn Wildlife
Award from the National Museum of Wildlife Art. “As an artist, my objective is to
represent the subjects of wildlife correctly and accurately to the best of my ability. It’s
critically important for me to pick up each little difference in nature and portray that
in the canvas to engage the viewer emotionally within the piece. My hope is for the
viewer to understand the character of the animal and environment.” As an avid
sportsman and conservationist, Poppleton spends as much time in the field as he
does at the easel. His paintings are a reflection of his love for the animals, wilderness
areas, and the great outdoors.
