Heidi Borreson

Heidi Borreson is an artist embedded in the heart of nature’s tapestry, drawing her inspiration from the animals and landscapes she’s been surrounded by since the earliest years of her life. Born and raised in rural western Wisconsin, Heidi's childhood was an elemental combination of exploration and creativity, where vast forests and ponds were her playground.  
Her artistic instincts burgeoned early on. There was no grand epiphany, no sudden revelation of an artistic call. Instead, art for Heidi was as inherent as breathing. She would say, "I always was an artist." Her family fostered this creative disposition – her father, a skilled woodworker, was an early influence, as are her two art-loving daughters. 
 
Heidi credits her initial grounding in the arts to her school teachers, who inculcated in her the basics of art. College was not an extension of her artistic journey, but her education never truly ceased. Heidi honed her pencil drawing and oil painting skills independently, studying the works of wildlife art masters such as Paul Calle, Terry Isaac, and Robert Bateman. Their influence is clear in Heidi's work, which echoes the same vibrant detail and connection to the natural world. 
 
Heidi’s adult life saw her diverging from art in many ways – she earned her livelihood from factory work and later became a certified occupational therapy assistant. Yet, such jobs did not choke her artistic inclination. Instead, art became an escape, a conduit to express and unfurl herself. 
 
Animals and nature are the primary inspirations for Heidi's artwork. Her profound love for the natural world guides her choice of subject matter. There is clear admiration in her art for the inherent designs of the earth's creatures, an admiration fostered by a lifetime filled with moments of wonder and awe. 
 
Heidi's creative process is as simple as it is effective; she arms herself with a camera and embarks on nature walks. This curiosity and love for exploration allow her to capture the raw moments of vitality and tranquility that encompass the life of animals and nature. 
 
Heidi's technique evolved over her lifetime. As a toddler, any available wall was her canvas. Drawings from books and admired works of art were her guides. Today, she flawlessly moves between graphite and oil painting, giving life to the intricate details of her subjects on both paper and cradleboard. 
 
Her art is a reflection of herself – unique and profoundly connected to nature. One of Heidi's favorite projects was learning to draw on cradleboard rather than paper. That advancement proved rewarding as it eliminated the need for glass framing.  
 
Though she is relatively new in hanging her art in galleries, Heidi has showcased her work in a gallery in La Crosse, WI. She doesn't boast of any awards or honors, but her art has found homes in the collections of Bob and Kim Cropp, who hold her realistic depictions in high esteem. 
 
Heidi's other interests, such as horseback riding, tie seamlessly into her work, reminding her constantly about the wonders of the natural world. As she continues to navigate her art journey, Heidi aspires to become a prominent figure within the art collector community.  
 
Heidi's work is more than a vocation; it’s her conviction, one that shines through every stroke. In Heidi’s world, art is not just a leisurely pastime, but a reflection of her core beliefs, her love for nature, and her deep-rooted passion for unearthing the world’s beauty.