Dennis Parrish

Dennis Parrish was born a child of the 60’s in Central Kentucky. An area steeped in thoroughbred racing, Wildcat basketball, and bourbon, Parrish was interested in anything but those which his home state was known for. Upon noticing more than a hint of artistic talent at any early age, Parrish was encouraged by teachers, family, and friends to utilize this natural talent and pursue his interest in art. Parrish studied at the University of Kentucky and Transylvania University under such noted artists as John Tuska and Joseph Petro II. His studies went much further than studying art by devoting equal time to the study of the natural sciences. Parrish has managed to blend his interest in art and science. Since graduating, Parrish has worked as a freelance, accomplished medical illustrator, producing medical drawings for physicians and litigation attorneys for demonstrative evidence in medical malpractice cases.  Unfortunately, Parrish grew up in a time when abstraction had become “art” and Parrish lost hope in being a marketable contemporary realist artist. Medical illustration was still viable and recquired detail, accuracy, and realism. And it was lucrative enough to pay the bills. As a result, medical illustration took priority. It would be years later when a change in weather would change the course Parrish had set out on so many years before.  While vacationing in Naples, Florida in 2013 with his spouse Maria, an afternoon rain storm drove the two away from the beach. It was then that Parrish ventured into a few local art galleries to get out of the rain. Literally the perfect storm had been created. Naples is the destination city for many an artist and collector.  Parrish, who hadn’t set foot in a gallery for years, was surprised to see realism and figurative art was making a come back. Friendships were formed with other local artists that continue to this day. Perhaps more importantly, Parrish was immediately inspired to return to drawing and painting more traditional subject matter while continuing his medical illustration career. Today, Parrish spends much of his time creating figurative and wildlife pieces using primarily charcoal, graphite, watercolors, and oils using a combination of techniques from the old masters,medical illustrators, and his contemporary colleagues. Parrish is of the opinion there is no more beautiful subject than the human body or the variety of other animals With whom we share this place called earth. Parrish hopes to capture the beauty of the human figure or other wildlife in a realistic,captivating manner for the viewer to enjoy. 

* This statement has been provided directly by the artist in association to their 14^th International ARC Salon entries. This content has not been edited for typos or grammatical errors and has not been vetted for accuracy.