I attained a B.F.A. from the University of Southern California specializing in figurative sculpture and drawing. Soon after, I began assisting in field expeditions, laboratory work, and art production for the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. For several years I participated in large projects requiring fossil preparation, restoration, sculptural and illustrative work for exhibitions and science publication. At the NHMLA I worked on many familiar dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus rex (named “Thomas”), Triceratops, hadrosaurs and sauropods, as well as many reptiles, trace fossils, and geological samples.
As an artist I use traditional and digital techniques for a variety of applications including paleontolgical reconstruction, portraiture, fine art production, entertainment and product development. I have teaching experience in the form of adult workshops and short summer camp art classes for ages 10 and older.
I produce personal artwork much of which is not published on this website, as the intention here to provide information on the services that I provide and my related work experience. If you are interested in commissions, or personal artwork feel free to contact me. You can also follow me on Instagram @dtrankina.
As an artist I use traditional and digital techniques for a variety of applications including paleontolgical reconstruction, portraiture, fine art production, entertainment and product development. I have teaching experience in the form of adult workshops and short summer camp art classes for ages 10 and older.
I produce personal artwork much of which is not published on this website, as the intention here to provide information on the services that I provide and my related work experience. If you are interested in commissions, or personal artwork feel free to contact me. You can also follow me on Instagram @dtrankina.
RESUME:
Doyle Trankina
Education
Bachelors of Fine Arts, University of Southern California. May, 2004
USC Presidential Scholarship, and Friends of Fine Arts Scholarship
Work Experience
°Fossil Preparator / Sculptor. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. CA. 01/02 - ongoing
About 10 years of field experience, assisting in the collection of Mesozoic fossils during expeditions to Montana, Utah, Arizona, Mohave, CA, and New Mexico. Worked extensively in conservation, producing artwork and replicas for publications and exhibits.
°Sculptor. Charles Ray Studios. CA. 06/08 - ongoing
Hand sculpting, and pattern finishing for works by the artist Charles Ray. Traditional techniques in oil and water-based clays, and plater-based/stone masters, in creating representational sculptures that are typically reproduced in metal, fiberglass or ceramic.
°Sculptor. Bone Clones Inc. CA. 2015 - ongoing
Working with anthropologists and the latest science journals I create anthropological models using Zbrush, 3d printing, and hand (oil-based clay) sculpting techniques. The company has a long history of providing accurate skeletal replicas, and casts for collectors, enthusiasts and academics.
°Field paleontologist / Sculptor, instructor. Carter County Museum MT . 2015 - ongoing
I provide art production services such as illustration, sculpture, and moldmaking for exhibition and fund raising for Montan's first natural history museum. Field work is seasonal and I participate in the Dino Shin-Dig as a field paleontologist assisting in fossil collection, educational activities and special events.
Exhibits
Los Angeles Zoo. Summer 2013-ongoing
Produced several models for the new rain forest and kids activity area. Models were hand sculpted and painted to be realistic and durable, and intended for tounching by the public. Plants of the rain forests of South America and california native animals.
°Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. CA.
Sculptor / Illustrator / Preparator. Dinosaur Hall
Produced several skeletal and life reconstructions of dinosaurs through sculpture and illustration. Projects included a baby Tyrannosaurus rex, a hurd of Fruitadens haggaorum, a skull of Mamenchisaurus and partial skull for a baby Edmontosaurus. Assisted in the collection and preparation of several specimens including Thomas (T. rex), a Triceratops, and Gnataly (a sauropod). Produced interpretive graphics, and replicas for interactive displays.
Sculptor / Fabricator: Dogs: Wolf, Myth, Hero, Friend
A nationally touring exhibit focused on the evolution and domestication of canines. Produced life size anatomical models of dogs, and assisted in producing interpretive displays and dioramas.
Artist / Fabricator: Tinniest Giants:
Based on the findings in 1997 in Argentina of the largest dinosaur nesting site ever discovered. Assisted in producing models, and dioramas mostly as a fabricator and painter.
Skills
Software: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Silo, Maya, Zbrush.
Sculpture: oil/water based clays and wax, foam carving, 3d printing, mold making, and prototyping/fabrication
Illustration: Traditional and digital rendering, quick rendering in pencil, and marker, acrylic and oil painting