A Historian in Buckskin

Born in 1942 in Rosine, Kentucky, and raised in Tennessee, Wright’s fascination with the American frontier began early. Professionally trained as an artist, with study in Europe, his art reflects a lifelong immersion in the lives of longhunters, Native Americans, Civil War soldiers, and pioneers.

His work stands in the tradition of Frederic Remington and George Catlin, but with a modern commitment to lived experience and scholarly rigor. This is because he is not merely an illustrator—he is a living historian, often donning 18th-century garb, trekking wilderness trails, and paddling birch-bark canoes to experience the world of his subjects firsthand. His paintings don’t just depict history—they invite the viewer into it.

“You can’t paint what you don’t understand,” Wright has said. “And you can’t understand it unless you’ve lived it.”

Painting Techniques: Crafting History with Precision

Wright’s technique is a blend of academic realism, plein air landscape work, and meticulous historical research. His process often begins with field sketches and photographs taken during reenactments or wilderness excursions. He then develops detailed pencil studies before committing to oil or watercolor.

Key elements of his technique include:

Layered Oil Glazes: Wright uses traditional oil glazing to build depth and luminosity, especially in skin tones and textiles.
Natural Light and Earth Tones: His palette is grounded in the natural world—ochres, umbers, and muted greens dominate, lending authenticity to his frontier scenes.
Textural Realism: From the grain of a powder horn to the beadwork on a moccasin, Wright’s brushwork captures tactile detail with photographic precision.
Historical Accuracy: Every buckle, musket, and feather is researched through primary sources, museum collections, and firsthand experimentation.
His studio is filled with period artifacts, handmade clothing, and weapons—many of which he’s used or worn himself. This tactile connection to the past informs every brushstroke.

A Storied Career

Wright’s work has appeared in museums, films, and books across the country. He served as Art Director for historical documentaries such as Daniel Boone and the Westward Movement and First Invasion: The War of 1812. His mural Gateway to the West is a centerpiece at the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.

His internationally known works hang in numerous private collections, as well as paintings are displayed at:

• Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, GA
• Tennessee State Museum in Nashville, TN
• Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis, IN
• Sam Davis Historic Home Museum in Smyrna, TN
• Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
• Historic Martin’s Station at Wilderness Road State Park, Ewing, Virginia

David has received numerous awards, including the Booth Museum’s Artist of Excellence Award and multiple honors from the prestigious Harrison Eiteljorg Purchase Award at the Eiteljorg Museum Quest For The West Show for his painting titled “Uninvited Visitors” which now is included in the museum’s permanent collection. In 2019, he was honored with a retrospective show of his work at the Eiteljorg Museum and in 2022 he was honored with the Booth Western Art Museum American Artist of Excellence award.

Today, David Wright and his wife, Jane reside outside Gallatin, Tennessee in a beautiful 18th century style house situated over the ever-running falls of historic Asher’s Creek, across from the ruins of an old gristmill.

A limited quantity of 250 books are offered as special “Artist’s Signature Edition” copies. Each will be signed and numbered by the artist and presented in a custom, “Grained Buffalino”- covered slipcase, with gold foil stamping, and will include an enclosed 10″x14″ signed print of an iconic David Wright painting. The signed and numbered “Artist Signature Edition” copies will be issued, 1 of 250 through 250, in the sequence of orders received. SPECIFICATIONS: Size: 10″ x 14″, 208 pages.

NOW AVAILABLE: Standard Edition: $75. Slipcased “Artist Signature Edition”~ $300 + $10 shipping.

Preview of David Wrights Currently
Available Limited Edition Prints

This is a tiny preview of David Wright’s currently available work. We have had the good fortune over the years to feature David Wright’s work on the cover of several Crazy Crow Trading post catalog covers. We do not offer artwork directly on our site, but highly recommend it to you and provide this link so that you may order it directly from the artist!