Darrell Bush

Wilderness Art is the term that best describes Darrell Bush’s work. Darrell has always shown a special interest in the history and the rich traditions of man’s involvement with nature. Through the sporting lifestyle, this interaction allows him to depict these timeless snapshots. One element that echoes through all of his art is the luminescent presence of light.  Light, whether man-made or natural, creates a mood and helps convey the story.

“From its incredible landscapes to the animals that inhabit it and even our involvement with it, the wilderness has always fascinated me. Once you take that step into the wilderness, the distractions of daily life are left behind, and you’re transported to that eternal place in nature that seems to always be waiting.”

While earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Northern Illinois University, Darrell was juried into the prestigious New York Society of Illustrators annual student competition. Darrell began his career by working as an illustrator in Minneapolis, Minnesota for five years. He had the opportunity to work under seasoned illustrators with years of experience. It was during this time that he began pursuing a second calling as a fine artist. 

His career hit the ground running in 1987, after winning two national stamp competitions for Minnesota and Idaho.  In 1989, he began his career as a full time painter.  Today there are over 200 images in print.

Darrell's success continued when he was named among America's 12 most popular artists by four different national art publications.  Art publications such as USArt magazine placed Darrell with high rankings for several years. The same publication also named him a Rising Star in 1995. Inform Art magazine named him one of the Top Ten Hottest New Artists in 1994.  Darrell’s work has also been juried into many fine art shows where he has received several "Best of Show" awards. In 1997, Darrell was named "Artist of the Year" at the Wildlife, Western, and Americana Art Show in Minneapolis, MN.

Two of his lithographs hang in the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. His work was also part of a special reception at the prestigious Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  Celebrities such as actor Burt Reynolds and animal expert Jack Hanna also collect his work.  Several large corporations including Cabela's, John Deere, and Uline have also collected and used Darrell’s art.

Darrell has contributed several print editions to The Boy Scouts of America fundraising programs. In addition, a number of conservation organizations have also benefited from his generosity including the National Fish and Wildlife Federation, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and the National Wild Turkey Federation. Darrell Bush’s art has been featured in the publications Wildlife Art, U.S. Art, Inform Art, Midwest Today, Minnesota Waterfowl, and Cabela's.