Born in Texas but nurtured by the rugged mountains of Colorado, Cory Carlson developed a profound connection with nature from an early age. As a child, he spent countless hours exploring the wilderness, enthralled by the beauty and intricacies of the natural world. When he wasn’t climbing mountains or wandering forest trails, young Cory could be found with a sketchpad, meticulously drawing the animals, trees, and clouds surrounding him. By the fourth grade, he had already ventured into oil painting, creating his first piece—a chimpanzee—that foreshadowed his lifelong passion for wildlife art.

Cory’s desire to become an artist was evident from his earliest memories. His innate talent for drawing was apparent even in kindergarten, and by high school, he was selling his work. At just 15, he sold his first paintings, using the proceeds to purchase his first truck and later to finance his college education and art degree. His formative experiences included apprenticing under a master animation and portrait artist. This mentorship provided him with a solid technical foundation, instilled professionalism, and taught him how to make a living through art.

Intertwined with his artistic journey is his unwavering love for the natural world. Cory’s greatest passion lies in capturing the essence of wildlife and the environments they inhabit. He has dedicated his life to traveling to some of the world’s most remote and pristine locations, seeking firsthand experiences with the animals and birds he vividly brings to life on canvas. “There is no substitute for observing wildlife firsthand in their natural habitat,” he asserts.   “Wild animals possess a sharp intelligence, vibrant spirit, and heightened awareness of their surroundings. These fleeting moments in nature often leave the most lasting impressions. Whether it’s the sound of the bush coming alive at dawn or the way light filters through the trees, I strive to share these experiences through my art.”

Among his most transformative experiences is witnessing the Great Migration in Kenya, where thousands of wildebeests and zebras brave the treacherous crossing of the Mara River, standing mere feet away from an endangered black rhino in the pre-dawn mist, its silhouette and breath palpable in the quiet morning air; and trekking through the dense rainforests of Tanzania’s remote Mahale Mountains to observe wild chimpanzees, fulfilling a dream that began with his first oil painting. His adventures extend to Botswana’s Okavango Delta, where he witnessed a pride of lions hunting a herd of Cape buffalo and the dramatic spectacle of a lion stealing a leopard’s kill. In Alaska, he camped among brown bears and watched whales, eagles, and other marine life feast during the herring run—experiences that deepened his appreciation for the interconnectedness of all life.

Sharing his artistic journey is his wife, a talented jewelry artist who also draws inspiration from nature. Together, they have traveled the world, seeking artistic inspiration in wild places and bringing beauty into people’s lives. While Cory captures the vibrant life of wildlife on canvas, his wife transforms the organic world into wearable art, each piece reflecting an abstract interpretation of nature’s essence. Their collaborative relationship enriches both their art forms, and they share a lakeside studio nestled in the forested hills of north Louisiana—a place they have called home for over two decades.

Cory’s creative process is as immersive as his journeys. Each painting begins with sketches and observations made in the field. He contemplates the story and mood he wishes to convey, aiming to capture a “moment in time” that reflects the dignity, courage, and determination of wildlife. Working primarily in oil paint, he employs a painterly block-in technique to establish the essence and mood of the piece. His use of vibrant colors and a combination of brushwork and palette knife application brings a lifelike quality to his work, creating the illusion of detail through spontaneous strokes. Collectors often remark that his paintings exude a sense of life as if the animals could step right off the canvas.