Gary Robert Swanson was born and raised on a small farm just south of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The Swanson family migrated to Southern California in the mid 50's, and it was there that Gary began his career with the wild creatures of the world. He worked as a taxidermist, museum curator, conservationist and finally as an artist.

Gary Robert Swanson has traveled to nearly every game field on earth so that he may seek out the secret haunts of the wildlife. For Gary, the freedom power and romance of the outdoors are vital part of his creative process. The authentic and often romantic nature of his realism and what continues to drive him to capture those rare and precious moments on canvas that will guarantee his works to be remembered forever.

Gary has received many honors and awards. He has received Gold Medals, Judges awards, Best of Show and many more. In 1993 he was named "Legend Of Wildlife Art" by leading wildlife conservation organization. Gary's time honored method of oil painting on linen canvas with a technique mastered over years of study, have brought collectors from the world over to Gary's exhibition and show.