2026 Dee Denton Gallery Artist
On View June 2–28
Matt Patterson doesn't just paint wildlife; he lives among it. A New York Times bestselling illustrator and Fellow of The Explorers Club, Patterson has traveled from the rainforests of Belize to the remote thickets of Madagascar to capture the "Wild & Luscious" essence of the natural world. Known for his staggering realism and commitment to conservation, his award-winning work—including the 2024 Sibert Honor-winning The Book of Turtles—bridges the gap between fine art and field biology. Whether catching alligators from a kayak or documenting critically endangered tortoises, Patterson’s art is a testament to the beauty of the species he works tirelessly to protect.
Books illustrated by Matt Patterson
Click on the book image to learn more & purchase!
The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle
A Story of Resilience and Compassion Meet Fire Chief, a 42-pound snapping turtle whose decades-long reign of his local pond was nearly cut short by a highway collision. In this heart-warming, starred-review true story, Matt Patterson and Sy Montgomery chronicle Fire Chief’s extraordinary recovery—from receiving a custom-built wheelchair to his triumphant return to the wild. It is a gorgeously illustrated tribute to the power of conservation and the "luck" that comes from human kindness.
The Snake and the Salamander
Reptiles and Amphibians from Maine to Virginia
Organized by habitat, this beautifully illustrated tour showcases 83 species of "herps" inhabiting the Northeast. Combining engaging natural history with nearly 100 original color illustrations, Patterson and author Alvin Breisch reveal the secret lives of our cold-blooded neighbors—from the climbing feats of the Eastern Ratsnake to the surprising land-speed of the Spiny Softshell turtle.
Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell
A New York Times Bestseller
During the stillness of the pandemic, Sy Montgomery and Matt Patterson stepped into a suburban basement turned turtle hospital. This narrative masterpiece explores the "heart-pounding dramas" of rescuing injured turtles and the profound philosophical lessons they offer about time and healing. It is a hopeful invitation to slip into "turtle time"—a world of seasons and cycles rather than clocks and calendars—and a manual for mending our shattered world.
The Book of Turtles
A Sibert Honor Compendium
Think you know turtles? This Sibert Honor-winning guide introduces you to the staggering diversity of these ancient reptiles—from those that glow in the dark to personalities like Myrtle, the 90-year-old green sea turtle. Pairing fascinating facts with Patterson’s hyper-realistic artwork, this book is an essential compendium for anyone looking to understand and protect the creatures that have shared the Earth since the time of the dinosaurs.
Freshwater Fish of the Northeast
National Outdoor Book Award Winner
Born from a series of "business trips" (which mostly involved father and son going fishing), this award-winning book features 62 original illustrations by Matt Patterson paired with lively text by his father, David Patterson. Now re-issued with a new foreword by Sy Montgomery, it remains a definitive and sentimental guide to the aquatic life of the region’s lakes and streams.
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Curated by:
Jan Rimerman
