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Artist Mark Mittlesteadt has been painting professionally since 1984. From his early beginnings as an artist who did "pet portraits" and small art shows, Mark began winning awards all over the Midwest. He also painted murals on motorcycle tanks, helmets, and vehicles. Mark's reputation grew as an artist who could paint any subject on any surface, and so his work became very diversified.

As Marks' career went further along, his interest in animals and wildlife grew. He studied biology and zoology, and spent years hiking out west in the Dakotas and the Rocky Mountains. As Mark was commissioned for wildlife paintings he also submitted work to waterfowl stamp competitions and consistently placed in the Top Ten in Wisconsin Waterfowl, Turkey, Pheasant and Trout stamp competitions. His contributions to nature include donated works of art to groups like Duck's Unlimited, Timber Wolf Preservation Society, Whitetails Unlimited, Canadian Conservation Stamp programs, and many others.

In 2007, Mark was offered the opportunity to paint two large murals in a private museum in Montana, which display taxidermy mounts of animals in dioramas from Africa and North America. Mark took that opportunity as a way to return to painting full time. In 2007, he designed and built his new art studio, where he can work on everything, from graphics on vehicles and large murals to more traditional artwork.

Mark has won many awards through out his 17 year career, including;

  • Featured Artist for Mt. Rushmore's 50th Anniversary Celebration.
  • 1999 Timber Wolf Preservation Society Artist of the Year.
  • Duck's Unlimited Cover Artist.
  • Yukon Territories Conservation Stamp award winner.
  • New Brunswick Territories Conservation Stamp award winner.
  • Prince Edward Island Conservation Stamp award winner.
  • 1991 Wisconsin Waterfowl Stamp finalist
  • 1992 Wisconsin Waterfowl Stamp finalist
  • 1993 Wisconsin Waterfowl Stamp finalist
  • 1994 Wisconsin Pheasant Stamp finalist
  • 1996 Wisconsin Turkey Stamp finalist

As well as over 100 "First Place" and "Best of Show" Awards throughout the Midwest.