TIFTON — Realistic paintings of south Georgia fields and forests, hunting dogs and birds by nationally esteemed wildlife artist David Lanier comprise an exhibit opening at the Tifton Museum of Arts and Heritage on Thursday, Aug. 8 at 6:30-8:30 p.m., according to a press release.

The artist will be present for the opening reception when he will give a brief talk about his art. Admission is free and the public is invited.

Considered one of North America’s premiere artists of sporting dog portraits, Lanier is widely sought for commissions by dog lovers everywhere and his work is in prestigious collections throughout the world, the release states.

However, he is equally revered for his exquisite detailed paintings of landscapes, birds and quail which some critics have called “breathtaking.” Museum exhibits chairperson Syd Blackmarr said that the work on display will be widely representative of the artist’s work, including paintings, giclee prints, and drawings.

David Lanier is highly respected for his contribution to conservation through groups like Ducks Unlimited, Quail Unlimited, etc. One of his recent paintings will be reproduced as the 2019-2020 Georgia Ducks Unlimited Sponsor’s print. Since the early 1990s, prints of his work sold at auctions have contributed millions of dollars for wildlife conservation.

A graduate of the Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Fla., Lanier is an Albany native who lives and maintains his gallery there. He draws most of his inspiration from the many hunting plantations near his home and has been quoted as saying “There is no place I would rather live.”

The Wildlife of David Lanier exhibit will continue through Aug. 31, Tuesdays through Fridays, noon–6 p.m., Sundays 1-3 p.m.

The Museum is located in downtown Tifton, 255 Love Avenue.

For more information, contact bmarr@friendlycity.net or go to www.tiftonmuseum.org.