Distinctive Form

The Hansen Museum in Kansas is presenting a solo exhibition for carver and painter Don Woodard.

By Michael Clawson

Artist Don Woodard used to own a sign shop that specialized in sandblasted redwood signs. “These were created by hand cutting stencils applied to the wood, then sandblasting the wood to different levels,” Woodard says. “Then we would prime and paint the letters for very beautiful signage systems.”

Bighorn Ram, carved and painted wood, 8 x 8 in.

That early work with wood led Woodard—an apt name for a carver—into a fine art career that is being recognized by the Hansen Museum in Logan, Kansas. Beginning November 13, the museum will be presenting National Park Art, which will feature more than 40 works that focus on Woodard’s trips into the national parks, including Glacier, Grand Teton, Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain national parks.

Clam Digging, carved and painted wood, 27 x 34 in.

“I have always enjoyed working with wood, and I enjoy the challenge of carving an image in relief, then adding additional details with paint. Creating three-dimensional artwork is my passion due the complexity of issues involved to create an artwork,” Woodard says. “The Hansen Museum has seen my artworks…and they like my very unusual and unique style as well as the national parks theme. There will be 40 three-dimensional paintings included in this solo show. Each artwork on display was inspired by an activity or adventure that I have experienced, from seeing brown bears Alaska, to pack horse trips in the wilderness, to volcanos exploding in Hawaii. It is the thrill of experiencing wildlife in their natural environments and viewing them amongst beautiful natural landscapes.”