Nevada Wildlife Photographer and Artist
Mark Hayward

Email: mark@haywardwildlife.com
Website: www.Haywardwildlife.com

Northeastern Nevada artist Mark Hayward has been an important member of the Nevada Wild Artist Team in past  exhibits at the California Trail Interpretive Center.  In addition to his wonderful photography of Nevada Wildlife, this is the first introduction to his newest artwork, encaustic painting. The medium consists of melted beeswax mixed with resin and then pigment is added for color.  Encaustic artwork is difficult to create and these new images are rather rare as they beautifully depict Nevada wildlife and are considered to be quite collectable.

Mark Hayward began photographing wildlife in the 1970s. At that same time he started printing images in a chemical darkroom using film negative and enlarger techniques. When digital cameras, post processing and digital printing became affordable for most photographers, he jumped on board. Mark is an avid user of today’s digital photographic techniques. Also, he believes that the ultimate expression of a photograph is a finely crafted print and the only way to archive an image for future generations. The print materializes his vision in a real and tangible way that is durable and not only collectable, but considered fine art and museum quality.

Mark a very enthusiastic wildlife observer, which is essential to photographing animals and their habitat. Patience is needed, and one must leave great expectations at home because disappointment waits many times. Making plans to be in the best location and understanding the behavior and habits of your wildlife subject is helpful but does not guarantee success. The past 20 years, Mark and his wife Barbara, have been surrounded by wildlife in their home and studio in Spring Creek, Nevada. There is more than a lifetime of wildlife photography opportunities in North America and this is where Mark Hayward spends most of his time. Also, wildlife is dynamic, newborns arrive every year, light and weather elements change frequently and drama plays out daily. Being there is the key.  No matter their size and stature in nature, Mark finds beauty and connection to all creatures he observes, photographs and paints.

Creating art, the pursuit of wildlife photography, printing and exhibiting occupy most of his time.  Mark’s work is recognized internationally. Publications include; National Geographic Magazine,  National Wildlife Federation, Bolsa Chica Ecological Preserve, Range Magazine, North American Nature Photographers’ Association, and others. He is currently exhibiting his work at the California Trail Interpretive Center, Southfork Library, Elko, Nevada.