Russ Duerksen
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. Soon,
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 being a full time wildlife artist.