Grackle Painting – The Overlooked Beauty of an Intelligent Bird

 

Oil on Gesso Board     5 x 7

Grackles may not top most people's lists of “pretty” birds, with their piercing yellow eyes and reputation as common and unremarkable. But if you look closely, their feathers shimmer with iridescent purples and blues, revealing a beauty often overlooked. Their gaze, which some mistake for vacant, hides a sharp intelligence.

A few years ago, I trained a group of them to visit my deck, where they would patiently wait for a peanut. Though often seen as aggressive, grackles—like all birds—can be pushy when food is scarce. But when they trust their food source, they become surprisingly polite, waiting their turn.

I found the model for this painting at my local zoo, not inside an enclosure but outside, foraging in the grass. Sometimes, the most interesting sights at a zoo aren’t behind the glass but right at your feet.

 

Majestic Wolf in Snow--Winter Wildlife Painting

 

Acrylic on Watercolor Board      16 x 20

I never tire of painting wolves—maybe because I enjoy spending time watching them, waiting for them to strike a good pose, or simply appreciating the ritual of being outdoors in a place that has brought me so much joy. This piece is painted on a new surface for me: watercolor board. Using thinned acrylic paint, it captures the transparency of watercolor while still retaining some of the characteristics of an acrylic painting. The result is a unique hybrid effect, and since it doesn’t need to be framed under glass, the texture and depth of the painting can be fully appreciated.

 

Mexican Wolf Portrait – A Small, Affordable Acrylic Painting

 

              Acrylic on Gesso Board     5 x 7

The best time to visit the Mexican wolves at my local zoo is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. That’s when they’re most active, and the sun’s lower angle casts a softer, more dramatic light. If you arrive and it seems quiet, be patient—things can change in an instant. If you're lucky, you'll witness a moment straight out of a nature documentary. I once watched wolf pups emerge from their den for one of their very first explorations, under the watchful eyes of the pack.

 

Baby Orangutan Portrait--Endangered Wildlife Art

 Acrylic on Gesso Board       6 x 6

Meet this baby orangutan...curious, expressive and full of personality. Orangutans share nearly 97% of their DNA with humans, yet their future is uncertain. Habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade have pushed them to the brink, making them one of the world's most endangered primates. This portrait captures their soulful gaze, a reminder of what's at stake.

Young Grizzly Bear-Rescued Cub at Brookfield Zoo (Acrylic Wildlife Painting)

Acrylic on Canvas     12 x 24

This acrylic painting captures a young grizzly bear who was orphaned as a cub and now resides at the Brookfield Zoo. Inspired by my deep respect for Alaskan wildlife, this piece reflects both my of of the grizzly's beauty and my reverence for its immense power. the bear's thick fur and expressive gaze bring its spirit to life.