Jim Bortz is a master of wildlife painting, known for his powerful ability to bring the untamed beauty of nature to life with breathtaking accuracy and depth. A devoted outdoorsman, Bortz ventures deep into the wilderness, observing animals in their natural habitats to capture not just their form—but their spirit, motion, and environment with unmatched authenticity.

His paintings resonate with a raw, intimate energy—each brushstroke informed by firsthand experience and a deep respect for the natural world. Whether it’s the silent stillness of a deer in morning light or the kinetic grace of a trout beneath the water’s surface, Bortz delivers scenes that are as dynamic as they are reverent.

Particularly acclaimed for his underwater trout compositions, Bortz has earned national recognition for portraying these elusive fish with a stunning blend of technical skill and artistic soul. His work reflects not only what wildlife looks like—but what it feels like to encounter it in the wild.

Now showing at Illume Gallery West, Bortz continues to redefine wildlife art through a lens of adventure, respect, and masterful realism.