Golden Valley, MN -- Ron Schara introduces us to Twin Cities wildlife artist Jim Hautman.
More than once, what Jim has observed in nature has inspired a lasting work of wildlife art. And there's a good chance you may have seen it.
Artistic talent runs in the family. Two of Jim's brothers, Joe and Bob, are also fulltime wildlife artists. And like Jim, they have also won the prestigious Federal Duck Stamp contest.
Winning his first duck stamp contest also led to a bigger surprise for Jim, a wife.
"I met him 21 years ago when I was working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (He) came out to meet the President and I picked him up at the airport. I liked him right away, I mean, what's not to like?" says Dorothy Hautman, Jim's wife.
Today, Jim's artist signature appears on canvas with anything wild, from big cats to big dogs to game birds.
And Jim says he's game to paint anything, but the key in life is to just keep it interesting.