Gregory Schmidt has been an artist all of his life: he recalls winning art awards at a young age. After high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served his country as a veteran of the Vietnam War. Following Greg's discharge from military service, a friend suggested he train as a certified welder. This became his life's work.

Greg's welding career took him from his native Wisconsin to the State of Oregon for several years. He returned to Wisconsin and later moved to Adams County, partly due to childhood memories of summers spent at Patrick's Lake. Greg believes his family heritage helps explain his love of the Dakotas and many other parts of the western United States.

One winter day in 1997, Greg's life arrived at a crossroads. On an icy parking lot, his feet went out from under him and his head hit hard on the pavement. Two years of physical therapy helped him regain use of his left side, but ongoing complications meant that his 26 year welding career was over.

As part of his therapy Greg got involved with the “Very Special Arts” program of the Wisconsin Arts Board. This program encourages the artistic endeavors of people with disabilities and awards outstanding work. In 2001 Greg was honored for his painting titled “Yellowstone Bison” - Purchase Award Milwaukee Public Museum.

He has a passion for wildlife and Western Art. Acrylic paint is his preferred medium, but he also works with charcoal and pen and ink. You can see his paintings at Wilds Gallery in Tomah.