A resident of Owatonna, Minnesota, Jim Killen was a commercial artist for Josten Jewelry Company. When his work began to sell, he quit to become a full-time artist, specializing in watercolor and gouache dog portraits and sporting scenes with upland game and waterfowl.

"I feel fortunate to love what I do every day and hope to bring a sense of joy or recapture a cherished memory for the people who view my art... for this I truly feel blessed by God"

Jim Killen has collected a wealth of outdoor memories to draw from in his journey to a successful career in wildlife art. Born and raised in Minnesota, the legacy of his childhood where pheasant fields and prairie potholes were abundant, inspired him to strive to preserve these gifts of nature for future generations. The Killen's home is situated in a wooded area. His third story studio looks out over the 200 acres he has developed into a wildlife management area...focusing on waterfowl, pheasant, wild turkey and deer habitats. He has also planted over 20,000 trees to perpetuate the forest like setting.

Jim has always enjoyed the companionship of sporting dogs to share in his outdoor experiences. His affection for their spirit and loyalty is readily seen in the intimate dog portraits that have earned Jim the reputation as one of the greatest dog artists in the world.

A dedicated conservationist as well as an avid sportsman, Jim brings his experience and
commitment to wildlife and conservation organizations with his remarkable gift of painting.
His artwork has earned international honors and generated millions of dollars for Ducks Unlimited International, Pheasants Forever, Quail Unlimited, The Wild Turkey Federation and numerous state conservation programs.

Jim Killen's artwork has been selected by fifteen states for their duck stamp programs.

A selection of these awards are:
1980 - Minnesota Conservation Award
1983 - South Carolina Duck Stamp
1984 - National Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year
Pennsylvania Duck Stamp
North Carolina Duck Stamp
1985 - Minnesota Pheasant Stamp
1986 - First of State Vermont Duck Stamp
A Four Year Series- "The Four Seasons of Vermont"
Georgia Duck Stamp
1987 - National Wild Turkey Stamp
Quail Unlimited Grand Slam PrintSoutheastern Wildlife Expo Artist of the Year
1988 - Idaho Duck Stamp
South Carolina Duck Stamp
Quail Unlimited
1991 - South Carolina Duck Stamp
1993 - International Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year
First of State Illinois Habitat Stamp-First in "The Four Seasons of Illinois"
1995 - Kentucky Duck Stamp
North Carolina Duck Stamp
1997 - National Wild Turkey "Target 2000" Print-First in a Four Year Series
U.S. Art Hall of Fame Inductee
Received the Thomas Jefferson Award for Community Service from the American Institute in Washington, DC
1998 Georgia Duck Stamp
Illinois Duck Stamp - A Five Year Series
1999 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award - Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN
2003 New Jersey State Duck Stamp