Heiner C. Hertling embraces the visual arts in many different forms, may it be colorful oil paintings, sensitive watercolors or pastels, monumental bronze or wood sculptures and even jewelry. Hertling puts all his creativity into it. Having drawn and painted since his early childhood in his native Germany, his logical choice for his career was something in the visual arts. Being realistic about potential earnings, he chose commercial art and advertising. After completing an apprenticeship in a graphic studio in Hamburg, he decided it was time to see the world. A trip to the United States made him realize that he had found his other love of open spaces, wildlife and nature. After a short stint as a commercial artist in New York, he moved to Detroit where the auto industry employed some of the best illustrators and artists for their advertising. After joining a studio and working for 20 years he ended up owning his own. When computers started to replace brushes and paint he decided to just paint and sculpt for pleasure. Hertling had always painted fine art pieces throughout his commercial life so the transition was easy. Multiple first places in national art competitions, featured artist honors and seven conservation stamp wins convinced galleries to represent Hertling. From intricate detailed realism to bold colorful impressionistic paintings, nothing in the arts seemed to be off limits to Heiner. His many collectors realized this and allow him to enjoy a prosperous career. Most satisfying to Heiner is the appreciation and approval from other artists. He has experienced this through being a member of the prestigious Society of Animal Artists, invitations to the Birds in Art Exhibition in Wisconsin and founder of Michigan Plein Air Painters, and numerous other honors. Many generous donations to environmentally conscious organizations and nature-preserving groups like Boy Scouts, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and Grouse Society satisfy his need to help with conservation. He has made numerous donations to art groups to help them generate income and further the arts. The discipline and craftsmanship he learned through his advertising career and his enthusiastic lighthearted nature also made him a nationally known teacher and mentor. His television series "Your Brush with Nature", a plein air painting show, has given him a stage to share his knowledge internationally. His on camera ease has earned him an Emmy nomination and many accolades from his fans. Hertling receives letters, emails and phone calls thanking him for being such a down to earth teacher and sharing his method of painting.When not traveling and painting all over, he enjoys the four seasons in his Michigan home where he has built himself the studio of his dreams. Painting Plein Air in sub-zero temperatures with hearty friends is to him as satisfying as painting on a beach in Hawaii.