Angie Reinoehl/MDN Artist Andrew Knudson of Plains Perspective Art Studio is showcasing his unique art in the Commercial Building II at the North Dakota State Fair.

Artist Andrew Knudson is a Minot native who creates fine detail paintings on unexpected natural mediums.

In addition to paintings on traditional canvas, Knudson specializes in utilizing buffalo hides, turkey feathers, wood, geode slices and even bone for his art. His work reflects scenes from the prairie with works of cowboys, horses, bison and more. He has an in-home art studio where he currently resides in Scandia, Minnesota, as well as a secondary studio on Lake Audubon. He has returned to his hometown and set up shop in the Commercial II Building at the North Dakota State Fair.

“I like the natural mediums because that’s Mother Nature’s art. Not that my art necessarily enhances a beautiful piece of wood, but it all comes together to make a really beautiful piece,” said Knudson.

He said he discovered his interest and talent for painting as a young child. Thirty years of art later, he makes his full time living off his fine-detail paintings.

Knudson attended Minot State University after his high school graduation, but didn’t complete a degree at that time because he wasn’t interested in pursuing anything but his art. He eventually did complete his degree in art from North Dakota State University, but added it wasn’t necessary to be a professional artist. After graduation he started “cranking out art” and selling at shows. He noted the first few years of selling art didn’t bring in much money, but he kept persevering and over time his sales rose.

Painting on such natural canvases poses unique challenges as the paint reacts differently to each medium. Knudson said he has his tricks to get paint to adhere to the feathers, bone and hides, but that utilizing these mediums successfully is all about practice and working with each one. His paintings are usually oil, though with bone and hides he uses water-based acrylic paint to avoid creating unwanted shadows.

After his 30 years of practice, Knudson said he can complete his paintings surprisingly quick. His smaller pieces take as little as 30 minutes to complete. Skulls usually take about half of a day and his large turkey feather fans up to two days.

Though Knudson primarily resides in Minnesota, his studio on Lake Audubon qualifies him for the recognizable Pride of Dakota branding. He brings Plains Perspective Art Studio to N.D. regularly to show his art at large expositions like the State Fair and The Big One Art and Craft Fair.

“There aren’t too many people that have the patience and fortitude to stick it out to be able to make a living,” Knudson said, “And I’ve been lucky.”