Donald Clapper

Unbeknownst to him, an unplanned stop to the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia in the late 1980’s became the momentum that drew him to Trompe l’Oeil and Classical Realism after he saw an original William Harnett painting. He marveled at Harnett’s ability to create both unbelievable detail and illusionary dimension and began a personal study on the Old Masters Dutch still life painters and the American painters of the late 1800’s, specifically, William M. Harnett, John Haberle and John Peto.

After a period of painting still life’s, Clapper completed series of trompe l’oeil paintings that  pays homage to the pioneers of American trompe l’oeil such as Harnett and Peto. In 1994, he relocated to Arizona where he still abides and works in his Scottsdale studio.  Clapper’s study focused once again to the genre of trompe l’oeil including this time some modern-day masters, namely Ken Davies, Gary Erbe and David Brega. 

In April of 2004, Clapper co-founded the International Guild of Realism, an exclusive group of today’s finest realist painters dedicated to the genre of classical and contemporary realism. Clapper is also the president of the Trompe l’Oeil Society of Artists, an exclusive group of today’s finest trompe l’oeil artists.  

In 2008, Clapper launched a new figurative style called “Dramatic Realism”. These new figure paintings represent a new style that illuminates the figure in a different and exciting way with multiple light sources with color splashes penetrating the composition.  This dramatic colorful lighting creates drama and mystery to the figure. This new style combines everything that the artist enjoys in quality painting such as dramatic lighting, interesting composition, skillful technique and a unique blend of exciting color.  These figure paintings by Clapper are still executed in the same skillful and academic manner that Clapper has been recognized throughout the country for his award winning and museum quality still life and trompe l’oeil paintings.

Clapper’s work has received national as well as international recognition.   He has received numerous articles in such publications as International Artist Magazine, American Art Review, American Art Collector Magazine and Art News.   His work has been featured in many museums across the nation including The Phoenix Art Museum, The Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, Wisconsin and The Museum of Fine Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He has exhibited in top level galleries across the country in New York City, Dallas, Santa Fe, Scottsdale, Palm Desert, Charleston, LA and Naples, FL.

AFFILIATIONS

Trompe l’Oeil  Society  of  Artists  –  President and Co-founder

International Guild of Realism  –  Founding Charter Member

 Oil Painters of America – associate member

“I paint with passion and uncompromising detail to captivate my viewers with the intrigue of “Dramatic Realism”.  D.C.