Rosemary Millette was born (1954) and reared in Owatonna, Minn. The second-youngest of 9 children, she sat for hours and drew with her sister Teresa (also a wildlife artist). Their mother bought the supplies they needed and never complained about the mess.

Less Grunwald, an invalid in a wheelchair, was a local artist whose work made a lasting impression on Rosemary. (He died at a young age.) As a child, Rosemary also acquired a love for animals.

The high school had what she calls "an excellent art program with an exceptional teacher - Charles Pearson" (a wildlife artist). He was supportive and helped her perfect her techniques.  After high school she earned a commercial art degree from Mankato Area Technical School. In 1974 she began a career in commercial art, and wildlfe was placed aside as a part-time venture. This lasted for 7 years, during which time she moved to Sioux Falls. She started doing pen and ink drawings for the South Dakota Conservation Digest. Shortly after marrying her husband (David), she made the decision in 1980 to be a full-time wildlife artist.

Her first works sold well. She used a variety of subjects, although birds of prey were a favorite. Her medium was (and is) acrylic.

An early break came in 1982 when Wildwoods Publishing saw her work at the Kansas City show and started producing and distributing her prints. She now has a different publisher: Wild Wings.

Most of her subject matter comes from within about 20-50 miles of Sioux Falls, although she has traveled to Alaska in search of new material.

She uses photographs (just B/W) only to capture shape and subject characterization. Her husband assists as an advisor, manager and photographer.

Following field observations and references to photographs, Rosemary starts the actual painting with small, rough sketches on paper, zeroing in on what she feels to be the central focus of the painting. She was "heavily influenced" by Rubens and his use of mood and color. Contrasts and existing shapes are important parts of the setting in which she places her subjects.

She averages 10-12 new originals each year and avoids commissions. She limits herself to 2-4 shows a year (not always the same ones), but she feels they are important to see how people react and also to have an opportunity to talk with other artists.

Although most wildlife artists are men, Rosemary feels that being a woman "has never been a factor in anything having to do with my art."

Millette has won a number of state duck and pheasant competitions since 1983, including several in SD and one each in New Hampshire and South Carolina).  Her most recent honors include:
*1991 - SD Habitat Stamp
*1994 - SD Habitat Stamp
*1995 - SD Habitat Stamp
*1998 - SD Habitat Stamp