Amber Crisafulli
Background
I have always lived in Glendive with the exception of teh years I was attending college in N.D. Growing up I adored animals and always had a handful of pets and was fascinated by nature and the local wildlife.
Education
K-12 Glendive public schools, Dawson Community College - Associate of Art and Associate of Science degrees (2002 grad w/ honors), Dickinson State University - Bachelor of Arts in Art, Graphic Design minor (2004 w/ honors).
Influences
I have loved animals and drawing ever since I was little, so it came naturally to combine, these two passions. I have sketch books from when I was six or seven filled with crayon drawings of my various pets and the local wildlife (along with a few lions and tigers!)
How and where did you get started
My parents and most of my art instructors have been very encouraging. In school I always tried to take every art course available to me and also enrolled in many independent study courses to go beyond the regular line of study. I started entering my arts and crafts in the Dawson County Fair when i was 12 yrs old and it has been a favorite summer activity ever since.
Artistic Training
I attended all offered art courses throughout Jr High and High School and continued my training into college, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art. I wanted to try everything! Courses included everything from Computer Graphic Design, Digital Photography and Photoshop to traditional painting, drawing and sculpting.
Medium/Media
Most of my work is detailed pencil and graphite drawing/illustrations and recently I have started working more with pastels and pastel pencils. I also enjoy creating the occasional acrylic or watercolor painting.
Subjects
North American wildlife, big cats, horses and pet portraits.