Creating a painting, whether on paper or canvas, has been a large part of my soul from my early childhood at the age of 4 and 5 years old. I remember following my dog and cat around the house drawing them and probably bothering them all day long. And when I drew a picture of a bird or animal, I felt that it would live forever and was something I had made and I could keep with me. There has always been a connection, a kinship that I felt with the natural world, something very deep within my soul. I never took formal lessons in art, only teaching myself each and every time I drew or painted something, learning from every subject about putting life and a soul into my painting. When I paint a wildlife scene now, I enjoy bringing the “unseen” to the viewer’s eye to appreciate what we have in this world and that it needs to be protected and nurtured. Also, when painting a portrait of a loved one (pet or person) I try to achieve the subject’s inner self so the client feels peace and solace when viewing it. For me, it is all about painting the excitement, energy and passion of the scene or individual so the viewer sees and feels it as well. I feel I have been blessed with a gift that I have enjoyed and shared all my life. From growing up in a small Midwestern town to living in the beauty of the mountain states, I feel I have been fortunate enough to “study” art in its natural world. Art has influenced me in so many ways but probably the most important way has been learning and understanding that I, as well as others, can get so much out of their lives than most realize. My appreciation for life and the natural world has brought an ever increasing awareness of the peace and contentment in my soul when I watch wildlife, feel the winds, touch the rock and feel the earth beneath my bare feet. Now with conservation efforts and catch and release here to stay, painting a fiberglass fish replica of a trophy that was released is a wonderful way to pay tribute and enjoy the catch for many years. When I paint a replica for a client, I feel as if I am bringing the fish back to life in my hands. I get to enjoy this fish for a time before I send it to the client. The beauty and colors of fish are so amazing! And I so enjoy trying as hard as I can to replicate the actual fish for the client. Please take some time and enjoy my works of art and contact me if you have any interest in a painting, portrait or replica.
Please take a moment and visit Vimeo.com, search my name, Rick Hunckler, and enjoy the wonderful Wildlife Videos I have been capturing with my trail cameras in the Colorado Forests and Mountain Areas!