On the Hunt 5" x 7" acrylic

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This healthy coyote was faniscinating to watch as he hunted his way through the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park. Every now and then he would pounce at an unsuspecting meal in the tall grass. Pronghorn didn't seem to mind his presence although they did keep a watchful eye.

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Winter Woodies 9" x 12" acrylic

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This painting will be available November 12th at Collector's Covey in Dallas, TX for their annual miniature painting exhibition. When I first saw this spot while exploring this shallow lake on Sauvie Island, I thought "Wow! this would look fantastic with a group of wood ducks." - and the painting idea was born. As it so happens there were nesting boxes in some of the surrounding trees, so I knew that they used the area at times, especially in the spring. Ultimately, the intricate, reflective patterns created by the fallen trees and the marsh grasses are what inspired this scene and twelve wood ducks filled the area as I imagined.
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Pintail Pair 5" x 5" acrylic $245

Northern pintails are among the earliest nesters after arriving on their northern breeding grounds. They also migrate incredibly far with many reaching Mexico and Central America during the winter months. This pair was seen in the Willamette Valley in Oregon (where I live) in the same spot as the birds from the previous post. In this painting, I used their graceful plumage to lead the viewers eyes into the painting creating the illusion of depth. The subtle habitat also lends to the illusion and indicates how shallow the water is.
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Pintail Trio 5" x 5" acrylic

This painting will be available through Collector's Covey in Dallas Texas.

Drake pintails have such graceful lines that I will never tire of painting them. Here a trio of pintail uses one of my favorite wetlands. Every time I visit this spot (in winter) they are there, sometimes in huge numbers. They are used to cars so they are easy to sketch and photograph. I have a spotting scope that attaches to the window of my car that I will look through while I draw the birds. The second the car door opens though, they fly!

Morning Web 5" x 5" acrylic

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Sometimes the subtle things in life are inspiring like a spider web straining under the weight of morning dew. The spider itself is in hiding as it's web is not as effective in these conditions. The pattern is amazing nonetheless and inspired this painting.
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Signs of the Season 6" x 6" acrylic

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This painting was done as a commission where several sketches were completed and the idea was agreed upon. I enjoy sharing a vision and creating paintings that people will enjoy for years (or even generations) to come. In this case a female goldfinch is returning to her nest to line it with some freshly found thin grasses. The model for the painting actually collected these grasses from a planter right outside of my studio window this past spring. The pink crabtree blossoms help to offset the other primary blues and yellows in the painting.
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Brown Trout 12" x 12" acrylic $650

Number two in the trout series. This one features a brown trout and a series of favorite nymphs. The little yellow stone, pheasant tail, prince nymph, zug bug, and gold-ribbed hare's ear. These popular flies catch a lot of fish because they represent the insects in their larval stage.
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Misty Marsh - Egret 7" x 5" acrylic

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A snowy egret rests along a misty marsh. This elegant bird is at ease as it's head is tucked in. I saw this landscape over the weekend at a local wildlife area and added the egret to it as almost an afterthought as I wanted it to be a part of the landscape.
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Rainbow Trout 12" x 12" acrylic

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This is the start of a new series of rustic, contemporary trout paintings on 12" sqaure canvas that also features popular trout flies. In this painting, they are a series of dry flies that includes a stimulator, a yellow humpy, a royal coachman, an adams, and an elk hair caddis. Other paintings will include wet flies, streamers and emergers to go along with a brown trout, brook trout and cutthroat trout.
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Moonrise at Sunset 5" x 5" acrylic

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As I turned the corner onto my street last night, I was taken by this breathtaking moment. The moon was rising as the last rays of sunlight graced the trees at the end of the street. Moments of inspiration can strike at any time and I had to quickly capture the moment so it was done in a bit of an impressionistic style - more like sketching with paint. The whole painting was done with a 1/2" flat brush.
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Wood Duck Pair 5" x 7" acrylic

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Luckily, wood ducks are common around my neighborhood as we are surrounded by wooded waterways on three sides. This allows the opportunity to see one of my favorite ducks and one of the most decorated birds in North America on a regular basis. Every summer, wood ducks (and all other ducks) go through a molt and lose their spectacular color but, now in September, they begin to regain their colors. Here a male and female swim together. This 'daily painting' took a bit more than a day because of the amount of color and the fact that there were two ducks involved. The female is quite colorful in her own right.
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Spring Creek 5" x 5" acrylic

SOLD An icy, spring fed creek winds it's way through a summer mountain meadow. Water in these creeks is usually crystal clear and if high enough in elevation, it is usually drinkable and very good. Streams like this are vital to wildlife such as deer and elk and native trout. This particular stream had a nice 14" trout feeding just behind the fallen wood. My Website

Heavenly Coast 5" x 7" acrylic

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As a winter storm breaks up over the Pacific, the setting sun peaks through the clouds creating a dramatic landscape. Words cannot describe the inspiration I felt when the light created this breathtaking scene, so I did my best to describe it in paint. It was amazing - perhaps a slice of heaven on earth!
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Badia 4" x 10" graphite on paper

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Located in the Tuscany region of Italy near Gaiole in Chianti, Badia a Coltibuono is a former monestary that has been transformed into a farmhouse-villa. There is an amazing abbey garden that is laid out as an ancient enclosed garden (on the backside of this view)where geometric box hedges surround beds of aromatic and medicinal plants in classic Tuscan garden style. The new owners produce fantastic wines that are fairly well-known and this drawing was created to be fittingly used as an image on a wine label.
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The Watchman 4" x 4" acrylic $225

Keeping this one to the 'daily painting' format of completing it in a day or less was a challenge. This one started at 5 am and was just finished (after 5pm). I just kept adding ducks to create an almost abstract composition. Even when waterfowl seem to be sleeping there is always a sentry on the lookout for danger. The light is getting low as evening darkness overtakes what was a foggy day. The ducks are sleeping along a shoreline but will soon be up and flying to their favorite feeding spot.

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Pintails 5" x 5" acrylic

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A trio of drake pintails loafs in the cool mid-morning sun on a shallow sheet of water. My goal for this painting was to create the feeling of sneaking a peak into the pintails world. Normally, duck paintings show the birds in somewhat of a perfect posture, but with this painting I used different body positioning to guide the viewer's eye back toward the more 'hollywood' posed pintail.

First Snow 5" x 5" acrylic $245

This bear has fattened up on salmon and berries and is ready to survive the oncoming winter as the first snow begins to fall. He walks the rocky shoreline in search of a final meal as a couple of ravens squawk in front of him all the while knowing their wings can bring them out of harms way. Another summer season comes to end...

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Backwater Mallard 9" x 12" acrylic $1400

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The water in this painting has taken a loooong time! It is finally getting close to being finished so I've decided to post it here the on the blog (but will continue to hone in the final details over the next couple of days). It surely has been a challenge creating a rainy environment for this mallard. To create the feeling of inclement weather, there are raindrops beaded up on the ducks oily feathers, numerous water rings, drops and even a couple of bubbles in the water. The autumn leaves are soaked and submerged just under the surface as well. Of note, this painting was submitted unfinished (even more so than here) back in June to the Oregon Ducks Unlimited art competition and it won by one vote in the unfinished state (whew!). Prints of this painting will be available sometime in late November/early December.

Incoming Wigeon 4" x 4" acrylic

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A pair of wigeon is joining three males who are resting calmly. This spot has been deemed safe and the postures of the ducks on the glassy water show they are at ease. I originally did this painting with only two birds coming in, but decided not to post it because something seemed to be missing. After looking at the painting for a few weeks, I decided a few more on the water would add both depth and make the piece more interesting.
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Preening Egret - Art Gone Wild

The magazine, Art Business News, has included this image, Preening Egret, and several quotes in a recent article titled 'Art Gone Wild'. The article discusses quite a few things related to the wildlife art industry including a brief history and how it is doing in this economy. To view the article you can click here. It begins on page 26 and also showcases several images by some of my favorite wildlife artists. Enjoy!
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Greenwing Teal 5" x 5" acrylic $245

A drake greenwing teal rests on a shallow marsh. Shallow freshwtaer is a favorite habitat for this duck and often times they can congregate in the hundreds on such an area. I was inspired to paint this duck (one of my favorites) because of the semi-alert attitude he has. In scenes like this I strategically place the marsh grasses to create depth in the painting. Greenwing teal are the smallest of the North American ducks and fantastic fliers! They dart through the air like little jets.
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Sanderlings 5" x 5" acrylic

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In visiting the Oregon coast this past weekend, I was able to observe flocks of migrating shorebirds in some spectacular sunshine (a rarity there). This miniature painting of sanderlings was inspired by watching them scurry in and out with each wave feeding right at the oscillating water line. They move so quickly and almost have a toy like appearance has they chase each retreating wave.
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Cinnamon Teal 4" x 4" acrylic $225

Cinnamon teal migrate very early in the fall out of Oregon and start returning in April. Because they are such early migrants and travel all the way to Central America and Mexico, I rarely get a chance to see them when the majority of waterfowl are present. They are beautiful ducks and stand out like a gem when they are seen in wetlands. This male was seen on an overcast day and his plumage still seemed to pop, which is what I wanted to depict when I painted this scene.
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Through the Pines 5" x 7" acrylic $265

A black-capped chickadee flits through the lodgepole pine in search of an insect meal. They tend to feed by picking under the bark and inspecting pine cones for their unsuspecting prey. It seems that every time I am in the woods a flock will work through the area I'm in and I can hear them coming by their unmistakeable high-pitched chicka-dee-dee-dee.
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In for the Evening 14" x 18" acrylic

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This flock of four geese is just landing on glassy water. The foreground shows that another has just skimmed by across the surface on it's decent and the lower goose is just splashing into the stillness.

This painting was commissioned through the St. Lukes Jr. Auxiliary Auction and the proceeds were used to purchase an ultrasound machine for their hospital. You may wonder what a commissioned painting is? It is a custom painting specifically created for the client that are either from their photos, an idea they have in their mind or even a specific animal or scene they like. These pieces of art can be a pet portrait, a painting or drawing of children, or in this case a group of geese landing on a calm evening. For more information about getting your own personal drawing or painting and to see examples of some the commission I have done recently, you can visit the commissions link on my webisite.

Palo Verde and Mourning Dove 9" x 12" acrylic

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A mourning dove rests in a palo verde tree which is common to the desert southwest. I was drawn to this idea by the strong position of the dove and the direction of the tree branches. Mourning doves are one of the most numerous and wide-ranging gamebirds. Their numbers total 350 million throughout N. America! They are one of my favorite birds to watch fly as they very graceful reminding me somewhat of a pintail. When they take off their wings make a distinctive whistling noise.
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Perched Cardinal 5" x 5" acrylic

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The third in the desert series... a perching cardinal, another common bird in Arizona and always exciting to see. This time of year the cardinals are feeding their fledglings who can now almost fend for themselves.
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Gambel's Quail 5" x 5" acrylic $245

As I am in the desert for a few days helping my dad recover from surgery, this is the second painting of species common to Tucson. This is a gambel's quail and he is regally posed on a rock with palo verde branches hanging from above. These quail are very common at my dad's house and it is great to look out the window while painting and have live reference material!
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Anna's Hummingbird 5" x 5" acrylic

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An Anna's hummingbird moves among some flowers. Their brilliant heads are a sure field identification marker. They are known for their remarkable dive displays that can happen from as high as 120 yds. They dive to within a half yard from their target and stop with a loud squeak to intimidate other hummingbirds in their territory and they can do it to people as well.
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Through the Narrows 18" x 24" acrylic

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This beautiful area is part of an island chain in the Queen Charlotte Strait where my family and I recently anchored for an evening after a day of fishing. The islands that dot this region are rugged and spectacular and I wanted to capture the essence of the area with one of it's main inhabitants - the bald eagle. After experimenting with several different bird positions (all in flight), this angle was decided on as it shows the eagle has just flown through the narrow passage between islands toward the viewer (an angle not often painted). The lichens and sea life on the rocks indicate the high tide line and adds a necessary splash of complimentary color. Unfortunately, as is normally the case, the camera didn't read all of the colors in the painting so I tried to fiddle with it a bit to better match the painting.

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Cascade 5" x 5" acrylic $245

I just returned from a trip to Vancouver Island, BC and while there was able to do some "plein air" painting (painting on site). This type of painting offers a challenge because the light and weather influences the landscape with constant change. Painting quickly is key! This painting was done in an anchorage known to locals as Cascade which offered us a break from the open water swells and wind waves. The area is part of a group of islands located in the mouth of the Queen Charlotte Strait outside of Port Hardy. We saw eagles, otters, deer, whales and dolphins here. If you are interested in watching wildlife or fishing for halibut and salmon in a spectacular setting you can visit http://www.silverfoxmarinecharters.com/ for more information.
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Harlequin 4" x 4" acrylic $225

A male harlequin swims and flaunts his decorative plumage in the choppy surf - their preferred habitat in the winter. During the summer these handsome ducks migrate to streams with rapids to rear their young. For some reason the camera is reading this water as blue, but in the actual painting there are subtle color changes...

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Coast Guard 5" x 5" acrylic $245

Among the islands of the Queen Charlotte Strait, bald eagles are common. In fact, they seem more numerous than gulls. The eagles roost and watch from their perches in the trees and when other birds find a food source on the open water the eagles fly out to feed in droves. Often there will be 20 to 30+ eagles feeding together. The coast lines are rugged up there and I enjoyed creating this landscape and the weather that is so normal to the area.
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Turnstones 'n Tattler 9" x 12" acrylic

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Two black turnstones and a wandering tattler forage among the rocks during a low tide. When the tides recede along the coast it is like the dinner table is set for birds and other land animals because a plethora of food that is normally submerged becomes exposed. I was inspired to create this painting by the subtle hues of the overcast day and how the water reflected the rocks. The wave in the background was added to enhance the coastal effect of the scene.

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Goldfinch and Snowbells 9" x 12" acrylic

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A handsome American goldfinch sits resplendently among some Japanese snowbells. The new leaves of this young tree are unfurling and it's spring flowers are starting to fall off their stems as they past their prime. This painting was commissioned to compliment my painting Cardinal and Blossoms. Both paintings represent different points of time during the spring.
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Red-Breasted Nuthatch 4" x 4" acrylic

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A male red-breasted nuthatch creeps down the side of an old tree. They seem to have no regard for what is up and what is down while foraging for food in bark crevices. These birds are common among flocks of feeding chickadees and will come to feeders in years that natural food supplies are low.

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White-Crowned Sparrow #2 4" x 4" acrylic

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This is the same individual white-crowned sparrow that I painted yesterday. He is on a different branch in a different position and as you can see he was very vocal. And, he was a very good model! White-crowned sparrows are common in most states during the winter and have been know to fly up to 2,600 miles during migration. In Oregon, they are common throughout the year and are one of the easiest sparrows to identify.
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White-Crowned Sparrow 4" x 4" acrylic $225

A white-crowned sparrow sings from a branch as he gets ready to fly. This is the first daily painting in a while as I have been traveling quite a bit the past couple of weeks including to the Oregon Coast where I saw this bird. I may paint him again in a different pose tomorrow. He was a very understanding model and offered many close views. I really like their stiking headgear which is where they get their name.
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