David Rottinghaus paints and draws from memories held onto from childhood. His work reflects the agricultural pride and spirit of rural America. He grew up with his six brothers and sisters on his parents' farm in rural North Iowa. The challenges that face the harvesters as they plant and reap their crops are examples of the subjects illustrated in Rottinghaus’ work. The stories his paintings tell along with the farms he paints magnetize many collectors. He was chosen by United States Art magazine as one of the nations Artists to Watch. In the 1996 Heritage Art Show held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he was also honored as the feature wistful artist. Many collectors are drawn to his popular Christmas series. As a young boy, he explored the thickets, creeks and hollows that meandered along behind barns and corn stubbled fields. Rottinghaus’ heart has been captured by the slow roll of the Midwest farm country.
The artist enjoyed the natural beauty of nature while scouting wild game filled groves. In school, he dreamed of becoming a farmer and hunter, but while in the study halls, he would find himself sketching portraits of his classmates. By then, he didn’t see art as a career choice until after he graduated from high school. With encouragement from his friends and family, he attended Minnesota Technical College where he received a Commercial Art Degree. After graduation he embarked on a serious work of art and in 1994, he founded a private corporation, Royalhaus Publishing, through which he publishes his own art.
