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Growing up on a farm, around the hills in
the Coulee Region, near Coon Valley, WI, our family was
always interested in outdoor activities. Although fishing,
and hunting in general, all seemed to be on the agenda, when
time permitted, thus, wildlife painting came as a natural
pastime for me. I have been painting and sketching since I
was a youngster, and am basically self-taught, except for a
correspondence course when in my teen years. I am
presently working as a graphic artist at a local screen
printing company, for which I have worked for over 35
years. Working a full-time job, doesn’t leave much time for
painting, except during the evenings, and weekends.
In the past two years, I have been
honored, to have won first place in the 2001 WI Turkey Stamp
contest. I also won first place in the 2002 WI Pheasant
Stamp contest. I was also honored to have been chosen
as the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation’s “Artist of the Year”
for 2002.
Other ventures I have been involved in
are, original art for the Coon Valley Conservation Club, and
displaying art in local galleries in the La Crosse, WI
area. Original artwork of mine is also listed on a web site
called:
www.originalbirdart.com. (Click on Robert Leum) I have
finished in the top ten in all of the stamp contests in
Wisconsin, and have placed in other states, such as Wyoming,
Nevada, and received honorable mentions in the National Wild
Turkey Federation.
Presently, I live in Holmen, WI with my
wife, Beverly, who is my best critic. We enjoy taking
photographs of wildlife, and scenery, many of which are
inspiration for some of my paintings.
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