Kevin McDonald’s formal education in the art world was at Du Cret School of Art in Plainfield, N.J. He studied under noted illustrator Peter Caras, who had mentored under Norman Rockwell and James Bamma. Kevin’s art career has included working full-time and freelancing as a graphic designer, illustrator, web-designer and as an art director for a large consumer finance company.

He has received numerous awards for his corporate work but his real passion is historical art. Kevin has worked most of his life for corporations, but has never really fit into that corporate mold.

Kevin likes the historical research and takes his own photo reference for most of his paintings. He has traveled the American west from Arizona to Colorado, Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota in addition to east coast events/locations taking reference photos for his paintings. He also enjoys the outdoors, hiking, hunting, fishing and keeps his camera ready for opportunities to get some reference photos.

His paintings have graced the covers of Muzzle Loader, and MuzzleBlast Magazines in addition to other publications and books. His original paintings are in private collections and his painting “On New Headwaters” hangs in the permanent collection of the Museum of the Pennsylvania Longrifle. Kevin has also exhibited in one and two-person shows.

In addition, Kevin is the layout/design resource for The Kentucky Rifle Association’s Bulletin, a member and collects Kentucky Rifles and accoutrements.

Living near the Museum of the Pennsylvania Longrifle in Nazareth, PA, Kevin is privileged to be close to many historic sites related to early America. The Museum of the Pennsylvania Longrifle is just two miles to his north, home of the famous Henry family of gunsmiths and the Boulton Gun factory which was the largest firearms supplier during the fur trade. Whether it’s the original or new inhabitants, Kevin is inspired to portray these characters from America’s past who represent the true grit and individual spirit that molded this country, and the scenes and characters that he paints hopefully make the viewer more aware of their contributions.

Kevin lives with his family in historic Nazareth Pennsylvania, just a few miles north of the Moravian settlement of Christian’s Spring, where the art of building the Kentucky Rifle was formally taught before the Revolutionary War.