Adam Koltz is a marine artist whose work began as a hobby, focusing on ships and the sea. His earliest memories include drawing boats and birds. Adam knew then that he was blessed with a unique artistic ability: "I remember receiving a lot of attention in third grade when I won 1st place in all categories at a school art contest." In his early teens he had his first encounter with boats on a 40-foot sloop on Lake Michigan. Later, during a 20-year Navy career, Adam spent about half of his time on sea duty aboard several classes of ships, including merchant vessels.
Adam is an avid sailor and marine historian. His attention to detail stems from his intimate knowledge of ships, including the purpose of every line, sail and spar in his pictures. His understanding of the interaction of ships with the natural forces of wind and water gives his pictures life and vitality.

Adam began his ship portraits on nautical charts in 1971 while aboard the USS Kirk. The ship's navigator asked him to draw the USS Constitution. In the absence of drawing paper, the navigator offered the reverse side of an obsolete nautical chart. Adam used the front side of the chart instead, and an idea was born.
Adam is well known in Navy circles on both coasts for his depictions of naval vessels. These portraits highlight many a commanding officer's or crew member's collection of mementos.