John Akers
1944 — 2006 |
John Norwood Akers, a well known Louisiana
Wildlife Artist and Three Rivers Art Festival 2006 poster artist
passed away on Tuesday, November 14, 2006 at the
age of 62.
John
was
a
native of St. Louis, MO. and a resident of Abita Springs, LA.
He will be missed by art patrons and friends alike.
John Akers is a self taught artist, as is
discerned by his style and palette. His paintings are instantly
recognizable
regardless
of where they are displayed. "I receive a great deal of
satisfaction knowing that my style is my own, achieved through
years of hard work, and not influenced by any institution or
individual, past or present." John concentrates on the
study and painting of wildlife, waterfowl, coral reefs, florals,
and
hummingbirds. To paint these accurately and thus realistically,
requires tremendous research, skill, and patience.
His duck paintings are among the best, as
evidenced by his being named Artist of the Year in 1985 & 1989 by the Louisiana
Chapter of Ducks Unlimited. In addition, John has done several
supplemental prints for National Ducks Unlimited. In 1986 John
was asked to paint the Louisiana Wild Turkey Federation Stamp.
In 1990 he did the official print and stamp for the Aquarium
of the Americas. Also in 1990, he created the first ever Reef
Conservation Stamp and Print for Reef Keepers of America. He
since has done the very first print and stamp of the White Tiger
for the Audubon Zoo. In1991 he produced the first Conservation
Print and Stamp for the country of Belize, in order to help preserve
the jaguar. In 2002 John signed a contract with Hasbro Toys Company
to have his paintings reproduced as puzzles. Also in 2002, he
was inducted into the Louisiana Sportsmen's Hall of Fame. He
has produced the official Louisiana Sportsmen’s Show
poster for the past 19 years.
Akers’ works are displayed in homes, offices and churches
throughout the United States, Africa, Russia, Canada, Mexico,
Japan, Belize, Australia, New Zealand, and in many other countries.
Akers was selected for a listing in American Artists of Renown,
a book of Who's Who in American Art. His paintings have been
used in television promotions, and are part of the permanent
collection if the Memphis State Museum. His works have won recognition
in many contests throughout the south, and his wildlife paintings
have been featured numerous times in Louisiana Conservationist
Magazine. Also, both the Franklin & Danbury Mints have reproduced
his works on collector plates. Fine quality reproductions of
John’s paintings are being published on a continual basis
throughout the world. His extremely collectible copperplate etchings,
watercolors, and acrylic paintings are displayed in the finest
galleries nationwide.
Signed & numbered, limited-edition prints
of the 2006 commemorative poster through Karen Whiteside, 985.871.4141.
"I have traveled, photographed, and painted
St. Tammany's beautiful rivers for forty-two years. I've tried
to capture their subtle magnificence in this year's poster.
I hope you enjoy it."
—John Akers
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