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Jim Hansel |
 Throughout
his life Jim Hansel has never swayed from his childhood dream of
becoming an artist. Jim's love of wildlife and the outdoors has been
the subject of his artwork for many years. However, Jim's ability to
paint these images has not come without its challenges. The world we
see is not always the world Jim sees.In 1972, at the age of twelve, Jim was diagnosed with a degenerative eye condition called Stargardts. This eye condition has left Jim legally blind. Despite Jim's visual limitations he has learned to create beautifully detailed images with the use of magnifiers and low-vision aids. When it comes time for Jim to add the heavy detail to a painting he is working only one or two inches away from the canvas. While Jim painstakingly adds these details he all the while has a clear picture in his mind of the final product. Jim also relies on his camera to capture his ideas and bring them into focus. Like many other artists, Jim uses photographs to bring the landscapes and wildlife models back to his studio. At this point, Jim will enlarge the images if it is necessary for him to see them more clearly. The next step for Jim is to put on his glasses and begin his brush strokes but only a few square inches at a time. Jim believes that due to his vision he spends more time on a painting, adding more detail than many other artists do. Jim has even spent up to four months on a single painting. Jim has said that he wants his artwork to be judged on its own merit and not on the basis that he is an artist with a visual impairment. This determination has launched Jim into the national spotlight. Since the release of his first painting in 1987, Jim has produced nearly 100 limited edition prints. Many of the editions are sold out. His reputation for detail and his distinctive colorful landscapes have proven to be very popular with art collectors across the country. Jim has also received much recognition and numerous awards for his work. In recent years, Jim has been commissioned to produce several paintings that have been featured by Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association. The limited edition prints are being used to raise money for these conservation organizations. Hansel has been honored with many other awards to his credit. He believes that hard work and perseverance is why he has been so successful. |
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If you are interested in
finding out more information about this artist or their artwork, please see
our Contact page.
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