Collin Bogle talks family, inspiration, and how he creates his wildlife artwork in this interview with The Mountain

Looking at the soft dream-like quality ofCollin Bogle’s wildlife artwork is like drinking a cup of warm camomile tea on a rainy Sunday afternoon. The soulful eyes of a snow leopard draw you in while Bogle’s smooth artistic hand offers cozy comfort. His style is so unique, that we wanted to learn more about the artist behind the artwear. 

Left: Snow Ghost by Collin Bogle  Right: Collin Bogle with his White Tiger Reflection t-shirt

Let’s start with an easy one….Where are you from?

I was born in Seattle, WA and still live in Kirkland, a suburb of Seattle.

What was your first artistic experience?

Although it’s a blur I remember working in coloring books and being good at staying in the lines. :) I started drawing realistic as early as elementary school and won my first awards. Other than that, since my dad is an artist he always had my brother and I experimenting with different mediums other than drawing and painting such as pottery or stained glass etc.

What was it like growing up in an artistic household?

It was really cool and I feel fortunate. My dad was a high school art teacher for 20 years. When he got home from teaching he would work on his own art which eventually lead him to a very successful art career. He would spend the time to teach my bro and I whatever medium he was working with and get us working on our own projects. Our grandparents received a lot of art for birthdays and Christmas. :)

Above: Close to the Heart by Lee Bogle

Above: Newborn Giraffe by Collin Bogle

Your artwork focuses on wildlife. Why did you decide to concentrate on animals and nature? Do you spend a lot of time outside?

I started out with a series of paintings of a girl I was dating which led to many figurative paintings and commissioned portraits. Since I enjoyed the outdoors, camping, hiking and fishing, I soon started focusing on that. I also liked that it was something I could do on my own without relying on models and staged settings.

Above: Early artwork by Collin Bogle

How do you create your artwork? How long does one piece usually take you?

Once I come up with a concept the actual painting takes 2 to 6 weeks. I use Photoshop as a tool to develop and refine my concepts. I move around shapes, adjusting color, contrast, lighting and focus until I create an exciting composition pleasing to my eye. Sunlight is often the subject; in fact there are many pieces I won't paint if the lighting isn't interesting to me. After an initial sketch, I fill in the basic undertones and values, airbrushing watercolors, then build up from dark to light using colored-pencils and water-based pastels. Colored-pencils work great for fine details such as animal hair in shadows whereas the more opaque pastels can be used for building up brighter highlights. I also mix water with the water-based pastels to paint in sharp bright details such as whiskers. 

Above: Wolf Trinity America by Collin Bogle

When you’re feeling uninspired, how do you get the creative juices flowing again?

If I’m feeling uninspired it’s sometimes necessary to step away from art completely with activities that use a different part of my brain; maybe a trip to Mexico or delving into a remodel project. Inspiration can come from different places, whether I’m outside exploring with my camera or looking through infinite photos on the web. Viewing a lot of other artist work can give me inspiration as well.

Who do you look up to artistically? Who are your influences?

I look up to my dad the most, being a great father and artist. Amongst many things, he taught me how dramatic light can make all the difference. As for wildlife artists, I’m influenced and inspired by the compositions of Robert Bateman, the fine details of Carl Brenders, and dramatic lighting of Terry Isaac to name a few.

Above: Robert Bateman with his painting Self Portrait with Big Machine and Ancient Sitka

Above: Between the Vines by Carl Brenders

Above: Ghost Bear by Terry Isaac

What is the most rewarding part of being an artist? The most challenging?

The most rewarding part is finishing the most challenging part of the painting, maybe the eyes, stand back and it looks alive. It’s also rewarding to get positive feedback from family, friends and art lovers; knowing there are people out there that appreciate what I do. The biggest challenge is coming up with new fresh concepts and ideas. I want to paint a wolf or tiger in a way that it hasn’t been seen before.

Above: Detail of Bald Eagle Portrait by Collin Bogle

When you aren’t doing art. How do you spend your time?

I try to stay balanced relaxing at home, out socializing with friends and family, exercising, being outdoors, hiking, boating, fishing, etc.

What is your spirit animal, and why?

I’d like to say I’m a wolf or snow leopard because they’re two of my favorite animals to paint, but I’m probably more like a panda bear because I have a very calm, down-to-earth demeanor that likes to keep peace and balance in the world.

Above: Forest Wolves by Collin Bogle

For more about Collin Bogle visit his website.