J.R. Hess is a Colorado based artist currently working in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. There, he finds inspiration from the people and wildlife that surround him. From the time J.R. was very young, he has pursued his passion for creating art that captures the stunning details of life and nature. J.R. began his professional career as a cell animator for Walt Disney Studios in Orlando, FL; learning the skills of the modern-day animation process. J.R.'s interest in all avenues of art then took him west to the Maiden Foundry in Sandy, Oregon where he began work as a patineur in the patina department working on bronze sculptures. After many years of experimenting with various multimedia and classical art forms, J.R. personally finds working as an illustrator to be the most rewarding. Working upon the skills he has learned throughout his career, J.R. has introduced a new and seldom seen approach to illustration by using colored pencil and soft pastel; a hyper-realistic method that pushes the boundaries of realism by creating an almost photographic level of detail and precision. With his new works, J.R. attempts to bring awareness of the importance of wildlife conservation and cultural preservation. J.R. Hess has been nationally recognized and featured in multiple western art Magazines. His work can be found in Sage Creek Gallery, Montana Trails Gallery, Trailside Galleries, Broschofsky Galleries, Broadmoor Galleries and Sanders Galleries. J.R. attended the Art Institute of Chicago, IL. and the Art Center of Albuquerque, NM.