Chad Poppleton, a resident of Cache Valley Utah, has been passionate about art and the outdoors for as long as he can remember.  His interest began while on the farm and ranch with his father and grandfather working with animals understanding their attitudes, behaviors, and confirmations.  Chad’s father, also an artist, taught him how to draw and look at things with an artist's eye.

Hunting, fishing, riding colts, and exploring in the mountains has molded his relationship with nature.  “Interpreting the behavior and character of each animal in its natural environment is the motivation for my work.  Studying, sketching, life painting, and observing behavior helps me to find their characteristics and relay that into the canvas.”

Chad studied at Utah State University directed by Glen Edwards and graduated with a bachelor’s in Fine Art/ Illustration.  Chad continues to study the classical tradition of Master impressionists and renaissance period work.

In 2018 a life long dream was achieved when Chad was inducted into the Cowboy Artists of America.  He has been profiled in Sporting Classics, Art of the West, Western Art Collector, and Southwest Art Magazine.  Chad is a member of the C.M. Russell Museum’s Skull Society of Artists and was also the featured artist for the South Eastern Wildlife Expo in 2014. Chad exhibits in the Cowboy Artists of America Show, The Charlie Russell Museum, Scottsdale Art Auction, and Jackson Hole art Auction.  Chad also supports many local art clubs and conservation efforts in his region.

One of Chad’s proudest accomplishments was earning the Bob Kuhn Wildlife Award from the National Museum of Wildlife Art. “As an artist, my objective is to represent the subjects of wildlife correctly and accurately to the best of my ability. It’s critically important for me to pick up each little difference in nature and portray that in the canvas to engage the viewer emotionally within the piece. My hope is for the viewer to understand the character of the animal and environment.  ” As an avid sportsman and conservationist, Poppleton spends as much time in the field as he does at the easel. His paintings are a reflection of his love for the animals, wilderness areas, and the great outdoors.