About The Artist
 Hal Kilpatrick grew up exploring the lakes, wetlands and farmlands of the Southern United States. Inspired by the experiences of this rich outdoor sporting life, Hal's interests became the joy of sharing his observations by capturing in paint or pencil the amazing scenes of nature. Hal has always focused his art on the feel and thrill of being there and observing a rare vision of waterfowl. "I quickly realized that wildlife can be very elusive and its observation fleeting." For me, capturing a moment in time and sharing a vision with others that can appreciate this aspect of the wild is what drives my art." Hal's research of the subjects for his paintings can take on an almost scientific approach. Whether it is ducks whistling in overhead or the splash of a pouncing tri-colored heron, Hal's attention to detail and representing the subject and its surroundings accurately is paramount. "If I can convey the feel and beauty of something I have observed in the wild, I may have done my best work."
A Brief History
Hal has been drawing ever since he could pick up a pencil. At the age of 2, childhood books seem to be a good source of paper for his drawings. At only 7 years of age, Hal won his first art competition taking first and second place in a local town art show. Hal's talent was always encouraged with the freedom to pursue his artistic ambitions at home and in the classroom. In many cases, special art class assignments were provided to keep pace with Hal's advanced abilities. By his senior year in high-school, he was given the freedom to pursue his painting in class instead of following the regular art curriculum. His paintings were liked so much that one was stolen and sold on campus (and later recovered). At age 23, Hal completed his formal art education at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, finishing at the top of his class. After spending a few years in the field of commercial art as an award winning creative director and illustrator, Hal realized that commercial art did not fulfill his interests as an artist. Hal began to direct his artistic ambitions more toward his longtime love of creating art based on his love of the outdoors. After a required detour of sorts when needed to take a position in his family's business, Hal painted as much as he could while working and starting a family. During the 15 years of working in the family's industry, Hal was only afforded the time to complete a hand full of works. Consistent with his effort toward wetland and wildlife conservation, Hal donated 450 prints of his painting "Bluebill Bluster" to Ducks Unlimited. Hal followed up this support by making himself available to the Ducks Unlimited banquet circuit in his area as a local featured artist. Hal's remarked prints of "Bluebill Bluster" went for as much as a thousand dollars each at the banquets he attended. "We raised a great deal of money for waterfowl conservation with that piece. I was extremely flattered at the level my prints were received." Currently you will find Hal creating works in his home studio, doing field research at one of the nearby wetlands or maybe even the negotiating the huge expanses of Lake Okeechobee. "The need to express my experiences through my art is something that drives me now." I am fortunate to have the time to focus my energies where I want to." The prospects are exciting.
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