JIM HANSEL

In this part of the country, we are blessed with so many talented wildlife artists. Jim Hansel is not only talented, but he has had to overcome special challenges to paint so beautifully. The outside world that Jim Hansel sees is not the one we see. At an early age, Jim was diagnosed with an eye condition called Stargardts. The eye condition, which has stabilized, left Jim legally blind from an early age. Despite his disability, Jim has learned to overcome his visual limitations. Through the use of magnifiers and low vision aids, Jim brings his work into focus. Jim also relies on his camera to capture his ideas.

Like many other artists, Jim uses photographs of his wildlife models to bring the landscape he sees back to his studio. At this point, Jim will enlarge the images if it is necessary, for him to see them more clearly. However, snapping pictures is not the same as painting original oils. Amazingly, Hansel's brush strokes create detailed moments in nature that his eyes cannot clearly see. With the use of low vision aids, Jim's paintings are now in focus, but only a few square inches at a time. Hansel believes that due to his vision, he spends more time on a painting adding more detail than many other artists do. He has spent as much as four months on one individual painting.

Creek Side by Jim Hansel

Jim has said he wants his artwork to be judged on its own merit and not on the basis that he is an artist with a visual impairment. This determination had launched Hansel into the national spotlight. In just a few short years, Jim has released over seventy limited-edition prints, many of which are sold out. His reputation for detail and his distinctive colorful landscapes have proven to be very popular with art collectors across the country.

Jim has been commissioned several times by Ducks Unlimited to produce the Minnesota Ducks Unlimited Print of the Year. He has been a finalist in the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association print competition six times, and received the People's Choice Award in 1994. Jim has been commissioned by Pheasants Forever for a couple of his prints as well. Jim Hansel’s great passion is in wildlife and the outdoors. His focus is on combining wildlife subjects with interesting and colorful landscapes and his greatest talent is recognizing the unique characteristics of nature and describing it in paint. When not putting brush to canvas Hansel can be found with his family, fishing, hunting, or just enjoying the panoramic view. He’s a sportsman at heart and enjoys all outdoor activities. In 1992 Jim Hansel was commissioned by Minnesota Ducks Unlimited to produce their Minnesota Print of the Year, “Autumn Ringnecks.” In the same year, he also produced the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association sponsor print, “River Bottom Buck.”

MARK DAEHLIN

Minnesota-based, Mark Daehlin is a nationally recognized artist, writer and teacher. His interests are far ranging and this native curiosity, coupled with a formidable talent and desire to grow and explore have produced an impressive body of work. Wildlife, humans and the places where they coexist are key elements of his artwork and have been his entire adult life. He is very aware of the spiritual aspect of nature and all living things.

Heart and Soul by Mark Daehlin

Mark has worked in fine and commercial art for over 25 years. He studied fine art at Concordia College, Moorhead, MN and Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA.

Mark has worked with a wide variety of media: watercolor, acrylic, airbrush, pencil and oil. The exploration of different media, as well as, a variety of subject matter has resulted in a highly detailed, realistic style.

DERK HANSEN

Born in Germany, Derk Hansen immigrated to the United States in 1966 and now resides jointly in Hawaii and Minnesota. Derk began painting in 1968 and has been painting professionally for three decades. Derk's artistry is evident in his oil, watercolor, and acrylic paintings and his pencil drawings (five "Best of Show" drawing awards) as well as his numerous wildlife and nature videos.

Winter Sunrise by Derk Hansen

He was also the recipient of the James Younger Award for excellence in historical illustration. Derk preferred medium is oil on canvas and the favored subject matters are wildlife, landscapes and western art. Stunning composition, exquisite detail and realism are the hallmarks of his work. Derk has more then 150 limited edition lithographs and collector prints plus over two dozen limited edition collector plates to his credit. There are also scores of incentive and special commission art products on the market bearing his name. Thousands of collectors worldwide enjoy his work.

SIGNED BY THE ARTIST ART PRINTS

DAN HATALA

Like many kids growing up in the Midwest, Dan Hatala spent much of his time hunting and fishing or just being outside in the woods at every possible opportunity. Not only was the outdoors a big part of his life, but his fascination with art began to appear at an early age.

Dan spent the first 10 years of his career as an art director in two Midwest agencies. He then spent the next 11 years as a senior illustrator at a well known illustration studio where his attention to detail was sought after for highly technical projects.

New Sheriff In Town ~ Dan Hatala

Hatala is not only an illustrator of wild life, but he spent the last 15 years painting technical, automotive and product commercial illustrations for agencies nationwide. Dan's reputation began to grow as a talented illustrator because of his ability to paint and compose highly detailed images. This ability has also earned him the honor of being selected as an illustrator for the United States Air Force.

Dan has been successfully working out of his own studio in rural Waverly, Iowa for the last 3 years where he lives with his wife and their two children. This rural life style still allows Dan the time and freedom to be outdoors and enjoy the life he knew as a child growing up in the Midwest.

CYNTHIE FISHER

Cynthie Fisher of Hamilton, Montana, works mostly in acrylic and scratchboard, making good use of her degree in zoology by concentrating on animal behaviors and interactions. A self-taught artist, Cynthie has painted professionally for 14 years, accumulating many awards along the way to national recognition.

These awards include the 1988 Ohio Duck Stamp, 1991 Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Artist of the Quarter, 1992, 1994, 1995, and 1996 Washington Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year, 1993 Alaska Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year, 1995 Iowa Duck Stamp Winner, 1995 Alaska Duck Stamp Winner, 1995 Colorado Duck Stamp Winner, and Top Ten in the Federal Duck Stamp Contest three out of four years, including a tie for first place in 1990.

Unannounced Visitors ~ Cynthie Fisher

She is one of the 1996 and 1997 Ducks Unlimited National Flyway Artist, the first woman to be chosen for this nationwide award. Cynthie's artwork has graced the cover of Cabela's sporting catalog. She is also a member of the prestigious Society of Animal Artists, and exhibits her work in the national art shows nationwide every year.

Aside from painting, Cynthie spends as much time as she can in the field. She has traveled all throughout the U.S. and Alaska, as well as parts of Central America, Europe, and Africa, acquiring reference for her paintings. She is an avid birdwatcher and sportsperson, enjoying the challenges of big game and bird hunting.

Her yellow lab "Tucker" often accompanies her on these outings, which along with the Lord's help and support, serve to inspire and encourage Cynthie's never-ending love for animals and the intricate, fascinating lives they lead.