A cum Laude graduate of Sweet Briar College in Virginia, Bruce W. Krucke feels that her painting has been influenced by the years she lived in Japan right after World War II, and by her many trips to Africa. Mrs. Krucke returned from her 14th safari in southern Africa in April, 2014. -

An animal lover and student of nature all her life, Krucke wrote a monthly article on backyard birding for twelve years in the Audubon Club newsletter and later also edited the publication. As the Naturalist for the Middleton Place Plantation Inn and Conference Center, she led tours showing and explaining the flora, fauna and birds of the Carolina Lowcountry. Using this broad knowledge of local nature along with her studying in Africa, she feels very qualified in doing wildlife artwork. Bruce strives for a loose, but correct, depiction of the animal with not too much emphasis on the background. Even though the current trend is towards almost photographic accuracy, she feels that her methods allow the viewer to also participate in the painting.

Although African wildlife is a favorite subject, Mrs. Krucke also painted some North American animals and many birds. She tried to paint only animals that she has seen in the wild. She also did pet portraits on commission, which have been very well received. Mrs. Krucke has retired from painting, but still does photography, which can be seen at http://bruce-w-krucke.fineartamerica.com