Life and Career of Doug Whitfield

An Artist's Journey Through Creativity and Education

Douglas Whitfield, born in 1945 in Cleveland, Ohio, grew up in a family immersed in artistry. With grandparents who were accomplished artists, Douglas realized at a young age that he might follow in their creative footsteps. This family legacy became a shared pursuit, as Douglas and his three siblings each grew to become artists themselves—a testament to the nurturing environment their family provided.

Early Foundations

Douglas’s artistic journey began in earnest with five formative summers at The Cleveland Institute of Art. These intensive studies solidified his commitment to becoming an artist. While still in high school, he relocated with his family to the Mohawk Valley, a move that would shape his educational trajectory. He attended Mohawk Valley Community College, where he gained a strong technical foundation in art, preparing him for advanced studies.

Higher Education and Early Professional Work

In pursuit of deeper artistic mastery, Douglas enrolled at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), majoring in Design, Illustration, and Painting. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Art in 1968, but his commitment to art was so resolute that he skipped his graduation ceremony to travel to New York City in search of an art gallery. Successfully establishing himself in his first NYC gallery, Douglas returned to Rochester, New York, to work as a creative art director at Eastman Kodak—a role that allowed him to finance his artistic ambitions.

While working at Kodak, Douglas began to exhibit his paintings across the United States and internationally, with his works showcased in London, Bangkok, and Rome. This growing recognition affirmed his status as a versatile and accomplished artist.

A New Chapter in Learning

Two decades into his career, Douglas embarked on a transformative sabbatical, enrolling at Syracuse University to study adult learning and retention. His fascination with how people learn, combined with his earned certificate in Integrative Learning, equipped him with tools to teach art while gaining insights into the workings of the adult mind—including his own. This endeavor added depth to his understanding of creativity and education.

Douglas's expertise in adult learning soon merged with his artistic pursuits, leading him to develop workshops and courses designed to help others unlock their creative potential. His teaching methodology emphasized the interplay between technique and intuition, encouraging students to explore their own unique voices while mastering foundational skills. These efforts not only enriched the lives of his students but also deepened Douglas's own artistic practice, ushering in a period of renewed exploration and self-expression.

Retirement and Commitment to Art

Douglas retired from Kodak in 1969 to dedicate more time to his wife and family, but his passion for art remained undiminished. He committed himself to daily studio time, with an unwavering quest for improvement. His lifelong dedication reflects an artist’s perpetual pursuit of growth and mastery.

Recently, as board president and then board member at large for the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts, he led the non-profit toward its vision to be a valued experience of every individual living in the Mohawk Valley. 

Legacy

Douglas Whitfield’s career spans decades of artistic exploration, professional achievement, educational innovation and leadership. From Cleveland to Rome, his journey illustrates the profound impact of family, education, and personal commitment in shaping an artist's life and enriching the lives of others. Today, his work continues to inspire, reminding us that creativity knows no bounds, and the quest for improvement never truly ends.

Return From the Bermuda Triangle Dream

Oil On Canvas, 1990
48” x 38”