Curtis Krueger

I approach my work much as a painter, using light, exposure and composition in place of paint. I am influenced by the works of Andrew Wyeth, Ansel Adams and Art Wolfe. Some of the earliest memories I have are of my father and me drawing at the dining room table. I was told our television broke down when I was in kindergarten and my parents, although they could afford to repair it, decided not to.

I place much of my current fascination with the art-world with their encouragement and direct participation. The lack of television as entertainment is another. I studied art at Eastern Michigan University, earning a BFA, along with two teaching certificates. Both my parents were teachers, so this seemed an honorable profession to fall back on. The reality of making a living selling my artwork, seemed a bit pie-in-the-sky, yet youthful arrogance coupled with determination is a great asset.

Wanderlust: I inherited this disease from my parents. We always traveled in the summer. I’ve spent summers in Alaska and Arizona. Later on in life, I realized that most people don’t get their summers off to do this. I am happy exploring new places and am blessed that I am able to make a living doing so.

The technical aspects of my work are straightforward. I use the latest in Nikon digital cameras. I use a tripod for the utmost in sharpness and stability. I print all my work using a Canon 8300 Prograf archival printer. I shy away from using filters, except a graduated neutral density filter.

I love to climb trees, wade into lakes and streams. I respect alligators, don’t like snakes but I am more comfortable being in their environment than spending time around most politicians, talking heads or religious zealots.