Emerging From the Den

 

Oil on Canvas   18 x 24

Wolves born in captivity are important to the recovery of the Mexican Grey Wolves in the wild. Do not feel sorrow for those who live in captivity, as they are cared for and provided a cushy life for their contribution to the survival of the species. We are privileged to be able to see them, and grow to love them. Many zoos and centers are dedicated to their welfare, and sponsor cross fostering programs for puppies to ensure future generations. The patience it took to see these puppies emerge from the den in a captive environment was well worth the time spent waiting when nothing seemed to be happening. The thrill of seeing something rare is the reward.

Winter Sun Blue Jay

 

Acrylic on Board   5 x 7          SOLD

I was so happy when my Blue Jay decided to sun himself in my crab tree before dashing off with another peanut to cache. Afraid of scaring him away, I dared to step out on my deck, with my naughty sheltie barking at my heels, and to my delight he was not afraid and stayed long enough for me to click some snap shots to use as painting reference. The warm sun he was using as a heat source probably kept him still, but mostly the bold temperament of the blue jay kept him from leaving.

Baby Blue Jay

 

Acrylic on Canvas      6 x 6

The Blue Jay couple I was plying with peanuts have apparently moved on to their Winter stomping grounds. They only come back occasionally when the weather warms up so I know they haven't forgotten me. I hope they return more regularly this Spring and bring some babies with them. Maybe a few will stay here more permanently.

Wolf Trio

 

Acrylic on Canvas   12 x 24         SOLD

This is a mated pair and the daughter of the female. The two females were injured in the wild, and rescued by a zoo to become part of the breeding program to preserve the endangered Mexican Grey Wolf. I painted them in what would be their natural habitat of the Southwestern states of the USA.

Icy Wolf

 

Acrylic on Canvas Board    12x 16      SOLD

A friend on Instagram lent me this photo to paint from. I thought it would be interesting to show the wolf emerging from the darkness. I think the stealth ability of the wolf to sneak up on us elicits an innate fear we have of predators. But in fact wolves are much more afraid of us than we should be of them. They notice us first, and avoid contact and detection. It is a rare for them to attack a human, but still the image of the big bad wolf remains. I prefer to think of them as fellow travelers just trying to survive the same as we are.

Mr. Cardinal

 

Acrylic on Board   6 x 6     SOLD

Detailed portrait of a Cardinal

Snow Storm Wolf

Acrylic on Canvas Board     12 x 16

It's hard to comprehend that someone could shoot this beautiful animal for sport.

Mr. Blue Jay

 

Acrylic on Board  5 x 7      SOLD

Detailed look at one of my favorite birds. Noisy, bold, smart and a beautiful blue.

Winter Is Here

 Acrylic on Board  5 x 7        SOLD

Winter has arrived with the first dusting of snow. Birds reminisce about Summer. The last of the leaves have fallen from the trees. The leaves, like paper, their colors poems written by the sun.

Young Wolves

 Acrylic on Board        16 x 20

Adolescent wolves much like human teenagers can appear gangly and awkward as they wait to grow into their long legs and large paws.

Hiding Wolf

 Acrylic on Board    12x16

Canadian Artist Robert Bateman, one of my heroes, has said it is often the case to see a wild animal camouflaged. I painted this wolf in a way I imagined you might steal a glimpse of him in the wild.

Red Leaf Sparrow

 Acrylic on Board   8x8

I remember taking the reference photo for this painting from an open window in a room of my house. It was a very cold Fall day before any of us were used to the change in temperature. The bright red colors of the leaves and the way they appeared almost transparent in the sun were the perfect backdrop for this male sparrow.

Lobo

 Acrylic on Board   5x7    SOLD

“We have doomed the wolf not for what it is, but for what we deliberately and mistakenly perceive it to be –the mythologized epitome of a savage ruthless killer – which is, in reality, no more than a reflected image of ourself.” – Farley Mowat