Born in 1962 in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Desmond McCaffrey is a self-taught wildlife artist whose work is deeply rooted in personal experience and a lifelong connection to the land. Raised primarily in Alberta, his passion for the outdoors was sparked during childhood fishing and hunting trips with his father. After each outing, he would recreate the scenes from memory—sketching landscapes and wildlife with remarkable recall—encouraged by the steady support of his mother, Theresa, and grandmother, Helena.
In 1973, the McCaffrey family moved to Grande Prairie, Alberta, where Desmond found daily inspiration in the woods along Bear Creek. It was there, exploring for hours on foot, that his love of nature deepened and his artistic instincts sharpened. The peace and solitude of the northern wilderness became both his subject and his sanctuary.
After graduating high school in 1980, Desmond briefly pursued architectural studies before ultimately following his true calling as an artist. Over the years, he held a variety of jobs—working in Alberta’s oilpatch, guiding big game hunts, and operating a taxidermy studio. These diverse experiences gave him a profound understanding of animal anatomy and an authentic connection to the wild, both of which continue to inform and elevate his work.
In 1989, Desmond made the bold leap to become a full-time professional artist. Since then, his paintings have been featured in national publications, received numerous awards, and attracted prestigious commissions—including projects with the Royal Canadian Mint. His original works, often spoken for before they are finished, are prized by collectors across Canada and beyond.
Today, Desmond McCaffrey continues to paint from his northern Alberta studio, drawing inspiration from the rugged landscapes and wildlife that have shaped his life and art for over five decades.
