MEET D. Arthur

One needs only to look into the eyes of artist D. Arthur to discover the wit and humor that bring Rupert to life—a character born of whimsy, imagination, and a style uniquely Arthur's own. A master of the pastel medium, D. Arthur has spent over 30 years creating a body of work that is instantly recognizable and deeply beloved.

The son of an artist, Arthur was drawn to the purity and honesty of the animal kingdom from the young age of three, inspired early on by the adventurous tales found in Davey Crockett magazines. Entirely self-taught, he began his artistic journey as a quick-sketch portrait artist, traveling coast to coast and completing more than 4,000 portraits before his passion shifted toward what he calls the “Wild-er Kingdom.”

This shift led to a commissioned piece involving ostriches—an encounter that eventually gave rise to the charming and whimsical Rupert. From there, Rupert evolved into much more than just a character: he became the heart of a growing universe of artwork, books, and adventures that speak to the joy of being alive.

Since the publication of Little Red Rupert, the beloved rhino has traveled far and wide, now reaching readers in all 50 U.S. states and 28 countries around the world.

Today, D. Arthur lives and creates in Key West, Florida with his wife, continuing to share Rupert’s message of curiosity, courage, and self-discovery. As Arthur puts it:
"One of the most challenging undertakings a person can face is to find out who you are, be who you are, and then share who you are."