James F. Landenberger

Wildlife artist James F. Landenberger (1938–2003) was the first three-time winner of the Iowa outdoor stamp design contests; his original watercolors and limited-edition prints are a lasting legacy to his craft.

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Jim’s bird study began in childhood, matured in youth, and flowered into an impressive artistic career. His stuttering was life changing. Wishing to become a biology teacher he enrolled in the University of Iowa only to have professors discourage him. “You can’t be an effective teacher with a severe stutter,” one stated.

That professor inadvertently inspired Jim to become one of Iowa’s most unconventional but effective teachers of natural history, especially birds. His medium was not the spoken word. It was art.

In childhood, Jim was a doodler. Rarely far from a scrap of paper, his pencil created visual magic. This love of images led to a long career as an advertising artist at The Gazette.

Designing display ads for cars, chiropractors, banks, and boutiques may have satisfied his doodling passion but left him remote from the birds he loved. Jim’s evenings were spent in his home studio, painting birds with the dream of becoming a successful professional freelance wildlife artist. Helped and mentored by good friend and renowned Canadian wildlife artist J.F. (Fen) Lansdowne, Jim perfected his craft. Eventually he sold a painting. Then another. Then limited edition prints of his original watercolors began selling.

Jim’s dream became reality when he won the Iowa duck and trout stamp contests. With those awards came celebrity status and more painting and print sales in the golden era of wildlife art. He left The Gazette to devote his energy to art.

Jim work promoted his other passions — conservation and teaching. His art communicated a deep commitment to the protection of nature that impacted every fabric of his being. Through art he became an effective teacher and motivator. Anyone studying a Landenberger original or print sees birds, fish, or furry animals surrounded by leaves, grasses, seeds and sky in utter accuracy. Viewing a Landenberger painting sparks a desire to grab a pair of binoculars, strap on boots, and head for a marsh, woods or stream.

Painting, teaching and conservation became intertwined and motivated Jim to donate art to Ducks Unlimited, helping the noted organization raise money to protect and restore waterfowl habitat.