Eldon R. "Ole" Olin (1921-2014) was born in Chinook, Washington to the logging family of John A. and Ellen Olin. When he was in his early teens Ole became interested in illustrating which continued throughout his business career as a timber cruiser in the timber industry. He often researched his subject by taking samples of plant material and making color notes while on the job. Veracity, in the time and place, was important to the artist. His curiosity about the natural world, and that he worked in it every day, brought an important dimension to his drawings and painting.

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His are the most authentic works of art that depict the essence of the Pacific Northwest logging industry. His art work celebrates the lifestyles and occupations of people in the timber industry, and the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest from the perspective of someone with a deep connection to both.