Growing up in small towns and working on my grandparents farm in South Dakota brought me close to nature. My days as a young boy usually consisted of exploring the outdoors. I enjoyed canoeing down the river, strolling through the woods or just walking along the railroad tracks. I began to draw the wildlife that I saw not knowing then that this obsession would become a lifelong ambition.
My spare time was devoted to learning how to paint wildlife, exhibiting my paintings at art shows, competing in various competitions including state and federal duck stamp contests. During that time, I supported my family as an electrician and then as a commercial artist. I’m proud of my accomplishments, which has lead me to my lifelong dream of becoming a full time wildlife artist.
Accomplishments:
2018 Best of Show - Western Heritage Art Show
2010 5th Place - Federal Duck Stamp
2008 Oklahoma Waterfowl Stamp
2003 Nominated for the Sioux Falls Mayor’s Award for Excellence in Visual Arts.
2001 Pheasants Forever National Package - “Along The Creek”
2000 & 1999 South Dakota Migratory Bird Certification Stamp
1999 Delaware Migratory Waterfowl Stamp
1996, ‘95 & ‘91 South Dakota State Waterfowl Restoration Stamps
1997 South Dakota State Habitat Stamp
2000, 1999, ‘98, ‘97, ‘94, ‘93, ‘92, & ‘91 Minnehaha County Pheasants Forever Habitat Print of the Year (Sioux Falls, SD)
1998, ‘97, ‘96 & ‘95 Aberdeen, SD Pheasants Forever Art Print
of the Year
1997, ‘96 & ‘95 North Dakota Ducks Unlimited Art Print of
the Year
1996 & ‘91 South Dakota Ducks Unlimited Art Print of the Year
1995 4th Place - Federal Duck Stamp
1990 South Dakota Izaak Walton League Art Print of the Year