Gary Swanson is nation's foremost wildlife artist. He describes the evolution of his career as follows: "The earliest recollection I have is of being able to sculpt animals - mostly animals - from the mud on the old South Dakota farm where I was born. The early part of my career was spent pursuing that natural ability working in clay and bronze as well as working in taxidermy and museum curation. In 1970, I turned my full attention to the vast world of oil painting. I worked with some of the finest masters of the day to learn the techniques of value control, that finite technique of subtle movement of light and color. Today, I'm somewhat in control of the paint instead of vice versa."

Displaying a feeling much akin to love, Gary salutes all those creatures he has come to know in their secret haunts. His paintings are his perception of the close relationship between man and animal, the cohabitants of this planet earth.

Gary Swanson's work is the discharge of his obligation to paint the great wild species of Africa, Asia, North America and South America, as they are when he finds them in the wild. His wish is that, should this be a passing era, in years to come it will be known by the sight of his work that, "this is the way it was". Gary now lives and paints on his "Wildlife" Ranch near Wilsall, Montana.

"The inner conscience of nearly every person is touched by wildlife. Everyone identifies with some subject or species that is portrayed in art."

"I take great pride in the accuracy and technicality in my work, but way beyond that, the value lies in the artist's statement and emotion that come when painting and viewer meet. That will live forever!"