“Painting the Whitetail Deer”

Learn timeless oil painting techniques for creating art that sells.

Let's Get Painting

Does This Sound Like You?

You love wildlife and the outdoors — but struggle to translate that passion onto the canvas.
You’ve painted deer before, but they often feel stiff, flat, or just off.
You’re tired of following paint-by-number tutorials that never quite get to the “why” behind the technique.
You want to capture the power, soul, and presence of a whitetail — not just its shape.
You’ve got reference photos stacked up, but don’t know how to turn them into a finished, expressive painting.
You wish you had a step-by-step guide to building a strong painting — from blank panel to final varnish.
You want to understand anatomy and light well enough to break free from always copying.
You feel like there’s more in you artistically — but you’re not sure how to pull it out.
You dream of painting pieces that connect with others — hunters, collectors, or fellow outdoorsmen — and make them feel something.
You’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start painting with clarity, confidence, and meaning.

You’re not alone!

“I’ve faced the same struggles — and this course is built around the hard-earned lessons I wish I’d known when I first set out on this path.”

Imagine What's Possible…

You step into the studio knowing exactly where to begin. The canvas doesn’t feel intimidating anymore — it feels like opportunity.

You block in shapes with confidence, bring your subjects to life with depth and accuracy, and watch your story unfold with every brushstroke.
You’re no longer guessing — you’re creating with purpose. And when the painting’s done, you’re not just proud of how it looks… you’re proud of what it says.

INTRODUCING

Painting The Whitetail Deer

Who Is This Course For?

You’re passionate about wildlife and want to learn how to paint it with power, realism, and heart
You’re a beginner looking for a solid foundation — or a seasoned painter ready to level up
You’ve struggled to capture whitetails accurately or expressively, and want a clearer process
You love spending time in the outdoors and want to bring those moments to life on canvas
You’re tired of generic tutorials and want guidance rooted in real-world experience and field observation
You want to understand not just how to paint — but why certain techniques work
You’re ready to create wildlife art that feels meaningful to you — and speaks to others who share your love for the land

Lets Get Painting

What's Included In The Course...

MODULE 1

Drawing

Learn my full drawing process—from using the armature of a rectangle for composition to accurately sketching a whitetail deer. A free reference drawing is included for download.

MODULE 2

Blocking In The Underpainting

Module 2 covers the initial block-in—starting with dark tones and lean paint to build a strong value structure and set the stage for lasting, layered depth.

MODULE 3

First Paint Layers

In this module, we shape volume with light and shadow, refining trees and blocking in key features of the deer—eyes, ears, and antlers—to suggest life and form.

MODULE 4

Deer Face & Antlers

Here, the whitetail buck comes to life—each stroke adds presence and spirit as the painting begins to breathe and reveal its true character.

MODULE 5

Antlers , Eyes & Beyond

This module sharpens antlers, brings emotion through the eyes, and builds the lower face—adding age, strength, and life to the whitetail buck.

MODULE 6

Revisting Background Elements

In this module, we return to earlier layers that are now fully dry and ready for further refinement.

MODULE 7

Detail Work Antlers & Trees

This module refines antler edges, deepens tree form with tonal shifts, and reenters the deer's body to build detail now that the first layer is dry.

MODULE 8

Important Deer Anatomy

This module shapes the deer’s legs and brisket, following hair patterns to guide light and shadow, then softens detail where grass will gently obscure the lower legs.

MODULE 9

Middle And Foreground Elements

With the deer nearly complete, we turn to the middle and foreground—adding bold textures and expressive marks in a final, spirited push to complete the piece.

MODULE 10

Varnishing

With the painting cured, we oil out and varnish—reviving color, unifying the surface, and giving the piece a vibrant, gallery-ready finish.

NICE TO MEET YOU

I'm Des McCaffrey

For those who don’t know me, my name is Des McCaffrey. I’ve been a full-time wildlife artist since 1989, and to call the journey interesting would be putting it lightly. I've been creating in some form for as long as I can remember, but it wasn’t until I made the leap to full-time that I finally allowed myself to *claim* the title of artist. It didn’t come easy. At the time, I still saw myself as someone with a knack for drawing and a burning desire to get better — nothing more. But I knew that if I was going to survive as a professional, I’d need to embrace the identity fully, even if I had to fake the confidence at first.

That decision — to go all-in — left no room for fallback plans. I had to get good enough to sell my work, or lose everything. No safety nets. What followed was years of blood, sweat, and more than a few tears. The learning curve was steep, but I climbed it the only way I knew how: through relentless effort and a deep love for the wild. And while the road of discovery is still unfolding, one thing is certain — I’ve learned to paint well, by hook or by crook.

~ Des McCaffrey

Recognized by the Royal Canadian Mint

Through his sold-out silver and platinum coins, Des McCaffrey’s deep connection to the wild—especially the spirit of the whitetail—has been cast in precious metal and legacy.

Here's What People Are Saying...

Doris Banziger

Highly recommend. They are easy to follow and very helpful.

Janice B.

The ability to watch a master artist at work in this way enhanced the learning for me in a way that I could use and apply! These are exactly what I have needed ! Well worth it ! “

What Makes This Course Unique...

Rooted in Real-World Experience, Not Just the Studio

Whitetail-Specific Mastery

Art That Honors the Animal
Professional Oil Painting Techniques Made Accessible

A Course Built by a Practicing, Selling Artist
Outdoor Heritage Meets Fine Art

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Offer valid through May 11.

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"Painting the Whitetail Deer"

$397

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