Isaiah Ratterman is an award-winning artist living and working in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Growing up in Ohio, he attended the University of Cincinnati for his BFA. Then moved to Philadelphia to study at The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, for his Masters of Fine Arts, where he honed his artistic voice and love of traditional realism. After his studies were done, he settled in Colorado to fulfill his draw to the outdoors. There you will find him mountaineering Colorado’s high peaks all year round. He met his wife in Colorado a few years later, and now they have a growing family with two little girls.

His life has been immersed in the arts by not only his studio practice, but also teaching as a professor of fine arts in Denver before departing it to focus solely on his paintings. He is recognized by notable organizations such as the Society of Animal Artists, as one of their Signature Members, and is also a member of Oil Painters of America. Recent notable awards include an Editor’s Choice award from Southwestern Art Magazine, as well as work that toured museums across the country in the Society of Animal Artist’s 63rd Annual Exhibition Tour. The prestigious and selective exhibition tour shows the work of top wildlife artists from across the globe.

From figurative to wildlife, his work spans a wide range of subjects. His draw to being outdoors led to the inevitable interest in landscape and wildlife art, as he has traveled the country extensively, spending considerable time in the majority of its national parks. This artwork also acts to further the agenda of conservation and protection of our remaining wild places, as Isaiah donates a portion of profits to conservation organizations.

Zaya, as he signs his work, is a shorthand moniker of his name given to him by his family.

Artist Statement:

I find inspiration from my experiences, and my work acts as a means of deciphering them. This could be from immersive journeys in the landscape and its creatures, or hidden moments that revealed themselves in unexpected ways. I believe there is an intangible truth to be found in our everyday existence, and through my work, I hope to touch upon it.