Dawn Over Blackwater

Dawn Over Blackwater  18" x 24"  acrylic  $3900

Experiencing the early morning stillness over a serene landscape can be a profound moment of connection with nature, and it's this very sensation that I've captured in my latest artwork, "Dawn Over Blackwater." This 18 x 24 acrylic painting was born from a deeply personal experience at the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. As I stood there, enveloped by the soft hues of dawn, I knew I wanted to encapsulate the tranquility and subtle beauty of that scene on canvas.

In "Dawn Over Blackwater," I've depicted a natural setting bathed in the gentle light of either dusk or dawn. The foreground features tall trees with spare foliage, their silhouettes mirrored subtly on the calm body of water below. Beyond them, a dense forest stands draped in darkness, its form outlined against a soft gradient sky transitioning from pale yellow to a delicate blue. The scene is anchored with tall grasses, occasional water ripples, and a few ducks—Mallards commonly seen in this wildlife haven—that breathe life into the composition.

What truly sets this piece apart is the way the colors play across the canvas, capturing the unique nuance of the light at this hour. The transition from night to day brings with it a natural softness—a harmonious confluence of color and form that embodies peace and the beauty of a nascent day. Creating this artwork was an exercise in subtlety and restraint, focusing on capturing the stillness and quietude of nature rather than overwhelming detail.

Ultimately, "Dawn Over Blackwater" is more than just a landscape painting; it is a meditative piece that evokes the serene harmony found in nature. It serves as a reminder of the peaceful moments that can be discovered in our natural world, urging us to pause and appreciate the tranquility and beauty that surrounds us, if only we take the time to notice.

Legacy of the Lamar

 

Legacy of the Lamar  16" x 16"  acrylic  $3200

"Legacy of the Lamar" is a captivating 16" x 16" acrylic painting that I've created to capture the serene majesty of Yellowstone's Lamar Valley. Within this piece, I've portrayed a peaceful scene where a group of bison grazes quietly in a sprawling, emerald meadow. My aim was to depict each bison with meticulous attention to texture, showcasing their robust form and highlighting their vital role within this tranquil landscape.

I've included the Lamar River, which meanders gracefully through the composition. Its gentle flow not only creates a sense of movement but also guides the viewer's eye across the tableau. I've chosen rich, vibrant colors to work in harmony, evoking a feeling of natural abundance, with bright greens and lush cottonwoods forming a picturesque backdrop.

In the distance, I've painted the majestic Absaroka-Beartooth Range, bringing remarkable depth and vitality to these dramatic peaks that frame the scene. This adds a layer of grandeur to the otherwise serene setting. My goal was to expertly balance the stillness of the land with the dynamic presence of its wildlife, offering an immersive experience that transports viewers to a place of timeless beauty.

Inspired by the untouched landscapes of Yellowstone, this artwork invites contemplation of the wonders of nature and the delicate balance of its ecosystems. I hope that the tranquil yet vivid depiction of this bison haven resonates with an enduring sense of peace, making "Legacy of the Lamar" a standout piece that celebrates the majesty of the natural world. Available through the Emerald Art Center 19th Annual Spring National Juried Exhibition.

Sisters and Sage

Sisters and Sage  15" x 36"  acrylic  SOLD

The Three Sisters Wilderness is one of mine and my family’s favorite places to visit and this painting was inspired by a recent trip to the high desert east of the mountains.  The snow-capped peak of South Sister pierces the sky as Middle and North Sister are cloud capped due to an approaching weather system. Hardy sagebrush and gnarled juniper dominate the foreground and the play of light and shadow on the rugged terrain adds depth and dimension to the scene evoking a sense of tranquility and reverence.  In this fleeting moment before the storm, nature stands at the cusp of transformation, where the delicate balance of beauty and power intertwines, leaving viewers in awe of the magnificent forces at play in the wilderness.

The Watchful One

The Watchful One  5" x 5"  acrylic  $325

Weathered by time, shaped by resilience—this intimate portrait captures the quiet strength of the water buffalo. Every deep crease and textured curve of its face tells a story of survival, of days spent wading through mud-soaked fields and nights standing steadfast under endless skies.  

In this miniature painting, the buffalo’s dark, soulful eyes hold a lifetime of wisdom, a quiet understanding of the land it treads. The muted tones and soft, atmospheric lighting create an almost reverent stillness, inviting the viewer to pause and appreciate the raw beauty of nature’s most unshakable spirit.  

Whether drawn to its quiet power or its unwavering endurance, this piece is a tribute to the strength found in stillness, the grace within grit. A perfect addition for those who find meaning in the quiet nobility of the natural world.

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Chance Encounter

Chance Encounter  6" x 6"  acrylic  $345

Chance Encounter captures the fleeting moment when a majestic bull elk locks eyes with the viewer, its expression a mix of surprise and curiosity. The rich details in its antlers and fur highlight the strength and grandeur of this wilderness icon. Set against an abstract and muted backdrop, the painting draws you into the elk’s world, evoking the thrill of an unexpected meeting in the wild. Interestingly, bull elk can grow antlers weighing up to 40 pounds, shedding and regrowing them each year in preparation for the rut.

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Whispers of Winter

Whispers of Winter  9" x 12" acrylic  $1100

In Whispers of Winter, I take you into the eastern slopes of the Cascades, where winter arrives without fanfare, just the hush of snow settling over the land. A bull elk stands alone in the open, his breath rising in a faint cloud that lingers in the cold air. The rut is over, and he now faces a new challenge—surviving the long, unforgiving season ahead.

Meadow grasses and sagebrush surround him, their colors fading beneath the first falling snow. Behind him, dark Ponderosa pines hold their ground, a steady presence in a shifting world. The sky is heavy, the air sharp. You can almost hear the silence, broken only by the muffled crunch of hoof against frozen earth.

This painting is about that quiet fight—the grit it takes to make it through winter. The elk’s body holds power, but it’s his stillness that tells the story. Strength, earned and honest, standing against the cold. It’s a reminder of how wild places demand respect—and how the creatures that call them home endure with a kind of quiet dignity that doesn't need to be loud to be fierce.

Windswept Solitude

Windswept Solitude  9" x 12"  acrylic  $1100

A great egret stands poised in a breezy marsh, its long, graceful neck arched elegantly as it surveys its serene surroundings. The sky is overcast, casting soft, diffused light over the landscape, which accentuates the delicate white plumage of the bird. The marsh features a mix of rippling water where the wind plays and patches of glassy stillness that mirror the muted tones of the sky.

Great egrets are masters of patience and precision when hunting. They often stand motionless in shallow water for long periods, waiting for the perfect moment to strike with their sharp, dagger-like beaks. This stealthy hunting technique makes them highly effective predators of fish, amphibians, and small aquatic creatures. Interestingly, during breeding season, their slender bodies are adorned with striking plumes called aigrettes, which were once so highly prized that it nearly led to their extinction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to overhunting for the feather trade. Their protection became a catalyst for modern conservation movements, including the founding of the Audubon Society.

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Water's Edge - Pintail

Water's Edge - Pintails  6" x 6"  acrylic  $345

This painting captures a tranquil moment in a flooded field, where a flock of pintails alertly feed. The scene is bathed in soft light, highlighting the sleek, elegant lines of their plumage and the subtle interplay of earth tones in the landscape. This harmonious composition celebrates both the natural beauty of these ducks and their natural habitat. Pintails are one of my favorite ducks and they are among the fastest ducks, capable of reaching flight speeds up to 48 miles per hour!

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