Rudolph “Rudl” Mergelman is a descendant of two Colorado pioneer families. He was raised in the heart of the open range of Western Colorado. Horses, cattle and working ranches were the way and love of his life. He spent his summers and weekends punchin’ cows, fixin’ fence, irrigatin’ and puttin’ up hay in the Powderhorn Valley, but never passed up a chance to help friends move cattle all over the Gunnison country. Many of his boyhood friends have taken over the family ranches and are carrying on the tradition. Family members and friends frequently appear in his paintings. His knowledge of the cattleman is evident in the authenticity of his work.

Rudl spends hours observing elk, deer and bighorn sheep in their natural surroundings. His wildlife work reflects a keen knowledge of the animal, their character and environment. His work is bold and vivid, as are the animals and countryside.