Born in Salem, Oregon, Rod grew up in Portland. Artistic influences shaped his boyhood - his mother had a degree in fine art, and his father, a lawyer, spent weekends at the easel. Frederick attended Willamette University, majoring in art and minoring in biology. Standing 6 feet 4 inches, Rod also played for the University's basketball team.
After completing his schooling, Frederick accepted a variety of commissions that lead him to paint classic scenes of the Northwest. Gradually he worked more and more wildlife into his paintings.
Today his career is wildlife art. Frederick seeks out wildlife in its natural environment: in the mountains, high above the timberline, forests that cover the Northwest and streams and ponds where wildlife of all forms congregate.
Frederick devours every source of reading material about a particular species, photographing, sketching and research in the field.
"People tell me they like the natural colors and mood I create in my work", he says. "They say it's very realistic and that's what I am looking for".
Rod lives in Oregon, where he has an inspirational; view of the Cascade Mountains right outside his window. Using oils and gouache to paint his wilderness scenes, his work is currently published by Mill Pond Press. His art is featured in the book, "The Best of Wildlife Painting" (North Light Books, 1997).
