A Brush with Greatness
By Matt Young Senior Writer

With a career spanning four decades, Richard Plasschaert ranks among the most accomplished wildlife artists of our time

Wildlife artist Richard Plasschaert doesn't have to go very far to find inspiration. He simply has to step into the backyard of his rural Minnesota home. A short walk will take him to nearby woods, expansive fields, and marshes and streams, where he often has an opportunity to view one of his favorite subjects-the wood duck. In 1993, Plasschaert made his first appearance in Ducks Unlimited's national art package with Flooded Timber Woodies. Now, eight years later, another painting of the beautiful birds by the artist, Up the Creek-Wood Ducks, has earned him the title of 2001 DU International Artist of the Year.

An excellent example of Plasschaert's trademark accuracy and attention to detail, the piece captures the grace of a trio of wood ducks as they glide over a wooded stream with brilliant fall foliage in the background. When asked how he crafts such realistic, yet evocative works, Plasschaert explains, "I paint mostly landscapes, always starting with the background rather than the main subject. Then I use different reference materials to depict the subject. I enjoy painting ducks because you can always come up with something new, by changing the setting, the time of day, the season, and, of course, the species of duck."

Plasschaert is fond of saying that it took him 20 years to become an overnight success. A completely self-taught artist, he began his career as a portrait painter, but found wildlife and sporting art more to his liking. His career took off when his painting Two Mallards in Flight was selected as the 1980-1981 federal duck stamp design. Over the years, he has also designed duck stamps for several states, including the first duck stamps issued in North Dakota, North Carolina, and New Hampshire. Today, his wildlife prints are best-sellers, and many of his works are highly prized by collectors.

A perfectionist by nature, Plasschaert is his own harshest critic, which may explain the great success that he has achieved during his long career. "Art is a difficult profession because it never gets any easier," he says. "I've participated in many art contests, but the only person that you really compete against is yourself."

Uncharacteristically, he is quite pleased with Up the Creek-Wood Ducks, available this year only at DU membership banquets. He explains, "I always find myself looking at a painting after I have finished, and I usually decide that there is something that I would have liked to have done differently. This year's DU print is probably the only painting that I have ever done that I wouldn't change."

Having a keen understanding of the sporting art market, Plasschaert strives to depict birds and animals in positions that are appealing to hunters. Although he doesn't hunt himself, many of his family members were avid waterfowlers. Being right-handed and left-eye dominant, he found it impossible to follow flying birds down the barrel of a shotgun. "My father, who was an excellent shotgunner, taught me to shoot with both eyes open, so I never could hit anything," he says. "Much later in life, an eye doctor told me that I could overcome this problem by closing one eye. By that time, it was too late for me to get back into hunting."

A lifelong conservationist, Plasschaert is very enthusiastic about his relationship with Ducks Unlimited, and he views the honor of being selected as DU's International Artist of the Year as a close second to winning the federal duck stamp contest. "In a sense, if it wasn't for the work that Ducks Unlimited does, I would be out of a job," Plasschaert says. "DU works to conserve wildlife, which gives me something to paint and helps to preserve the sporting tradition."

In addition to his support for DU, Plasschaert contributes artwork to many other worthy causes to assist their fund-raising efforts. "Because I am a bit of a recluse and I spend most of my time working, I don't belong to many organizations, but I contribute artwork to many worthy causes," he says. "I have given prints and originals to nearly every conservation group there is, as well as hospitals, schools, and many other charities."

Now approaching 60 years of age, Plasschaert has no plans to retire. "I intend to work as long as I can," he says. "I love to paint, no matter what the subject is. Whether I'm painting birds or a building, every subject presents a challenge. I won't quit until they close the cover on me."