“Inspiration for my paintings comes from the world around me. A flash of color or spark of light catches my eye and draws me in. An idea is born and reality gets transformed into art through my imagination.” — Shawn Gould

Art and nature have always been important parts of Shawn’s life. Growing up, he spent many days exploring the streams and woodlands near his home. These formative experiences established his deep love of nature and his unending curiosity to see more. 

Shawn began his art career as an illustrator, creating award-winning science and natural history illustrations for clients like the National Geographic Society, Smithsonian Institute, and National Audubon Society. After working as an illustrator for a decade, he was able to turn his attention to creating his own paintings full time.

Blending photorealism and tonalism with areas of precise detail, giving way to softer edges and muted tones, Shawn’s paintings are the result of everyday nature seen through the eyes of the artist. He captures those fleeting moments when the ever-changing elements of nature come together, turning an ordinary scene into something special. Realism is delicately balanced with more suggestive representation, making room for the viewer’s own imagination. 

Shawn’s work has received recognition in American Art Collector, Western Art Collector, and American Artist Magazines. His paintings have been exhibited in the Buffalo Bill Art Show, Birds in Art, the Society of Animal Artists’ Art of the Animal. Shawn is a Signature Member of the Society of Animal Artists.