ABOUT THE ARTIST
Through it all, Derek never stopped creating. But it wasn’t until 2023 that art became something deeper: a form of personal therapy and a way to give back. Now an award-winning artist, Derek specializes in pastel portraits of pets and wildlife, known for their striking realism and soulful emotion. His process is immersive, painterly, and deeply intentional—often involving hundreds of hours on a single piece.
Since childhood, Derek McCarty has had two great loves: animals and art. Raised in Missouri, he spent his youth sketching animals and exploring the outdoors. In high school, he realized he had a talent for realism, especially capturing the personality and presence of animals.
Though art scholarships came his way, he felt called to serve his country and joined the U.S. Marine Corps. After four years of service, he pursued another calling—education—earning advanced degrees at Southeast Missouri State University and the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
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Awards & Recognitions
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St. Louis Regional Veterans Creative Arts Festival: First Place (Nocturnal Majesty) 2025
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St. Louis Regional Veterans Creative Arts Festival: Best In Show (Nocturnal Majesty) 2025
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Scott Air Force Base 2025 Art Show: "People's Choice Award" (Cyrus)
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Scott Air Force Base 2025 Art Show: "Best In Show" (Nocturnal Majesty)
