Winter Wonder

Winter Wonder  7" x 5"
acrylic  $295

I spent this past weekend cross country skiing with my family through the hemlock forest of the Cascades. A snow flurry had just passed and the sun broke through to illuminate the trees to make for a fantastic afternoon.  This trip was inspiring as it reminded me of my time spent working at a ski resort and the many hours spent on the snow.
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Misty Hideaway - Wood Duck

Misty Hideaway - Wood Duck
8" x 10"  acrylic

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Available through Settler's West Galleries - American Miniatures Show and Sale - February 9th
This was inspired by a foggy morning at first light. The depth created by the mist and the different layers of the flooded timber created an inspiring scene.  While you explore this unique landscape, you will also find a lone wood duck which is secondary to the painting as it blends in naturally with it's favorite habitat.
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Pueblo Mountain Pair

Pueblo Mountain Pair  13" x 18" acrylic

This was my last painting of 2012!  Pueblo Mountain disappears in an approaching high desert snow storm as a pair of chukars flushes.  Although chukar have a grayish appearance, their plumage is very colorful when seen up close.  With this painting I tried to incorporate both what you would see in a flushing bird along with a hint of their true colors.  Smaller than a pheasant and larger than a quail, chukar love the rocky, arid mountains of the high deserts.
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High Desert Dreams

High Desert Dreams 14" x 18" acrylic

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This commissioned painting depicts three generations of German short hairs   The grayer dog in the front of the pair is the grandmother who has passed away.  Her daughter is the single pointer and her daughter is next to her grandmother.  I believe that all three have never hunted together but they have all hunted with the new owner of this painting who is an avid chukar hunter.  It was given as a Christmas gift from his wife and I received a text saying that he teared up when he opened it:-)
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Fall Chickadee

Fall Chickadee  5" x 5"  acrylic  $295

A black-capped chickadee takes a quick break from foraging through the vibrant fall foliage to sneak a peak.
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American Kestrel

American Kestrel  5" x 5"  acrylic  $245

An American Kestrel perches where he can clearly see what is below him.  I was struck by the simplicity of the scene when I saw this and by the simple beauty of this bird of prey.
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If you are interested in seeing paintings in progress, photos from reference trips and much more you can 'like' my facebook page to receive art in your news feed.
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Common Loon

Common Loon  4" x 4"  acrylic 

My wife and I saw this loon from a canoe on a lake in Wisconsin earlier ths fall.  We were also fortunate enough to hear it's haunting call before it dove out of sight.  Although we have common loons in Oregon, they aren't all that common so it was great to see one up close.

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Blackwater Bounty

Blackwater Bounty  9" x 12"  acrylic  $1200

A uniquely beautiful wetland because of it's size, location and abundant wildlife, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge borders the Eastern Shore of Chesapeake Bay. Here, a pair of mallard rest peacefully in the glassy water as the early morning sun spreads it's warmth over the autumn marsh.  Out in the more open water, a group of swans feed on underwater vegetation.  This painting is also for the Waterfowl Festival which is this Thursday - Sunday in Easton, Maryland.
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Dropping In - Teal

Dropping In - Teal  9" x 12"  acrylic  $1200

Here is a new painting for the upcoming Waterfowl Festival in Easton, MD.  A group of greenwing teal rocket their way in on a clear, cool fall morning. The positioning of the birds hints at their erratic and speedy flight as the rich colors of dawn illuminate the marsh.
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Evening Fields

Evening Fields  5" x 7"  acrylic

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I was inspired to create this painting by the lighting, the fall colors, and the patterns of the grasses in the field.  Moments like these are fleeting as the light at this time changes rapidly.
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Golden Morning

Golden Morning 8" x 10"  acrylic  $950

The Waterfowl Festival is getting closer and here is a new painting that will be for sale at the show.  This depicts eastern shore habitat at dawn with a low mist hugging the ground.
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Morning Calm

Morning Calm  8" x 10"  acrylic  $950

Still water reflects the clear, cool autumn sky of the East Coast.  This is the famed Chesapeake Bay and a part of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.  Each year that I have gone back the mornings have been clear and the air quality spectacular allowing me to see for miles across the marshes.
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Foggy Arrival

Foggy Arrival  8" x 10" acrylic 

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This painting has been recently reworked and will be one of two paintings in the annual miniatures show at Collector's Covey in Dallas, TX this November 9th.
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September Heron

September Heron  8" x 10"  

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A great blue heron peacefully rests in the shallows of a late September marsh.  I saw this particular heron next to the Umpqua River at a place known more for it's excellent elk viewing - Dean Creek Wildlife Area.  On my facebook page there is a step-by-step progression showing how this painting was created.
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Rugged Waters

Rugged Waters  5" x 7"  acrylic  $295

Along the Pacific Coast, rocky outcroppings jut into the Pacific to greet incoming waves creating a frothy, violent, yet beautiful environment.  I wanted to create a painting that reminds people of the sights, sounds, and smells of the ocean.
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Spring Feeding - Costa's Hummingbird

Spring Feeding  5" x 7"  acrylic

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This painting is similar to a painting I did about a month ago for the Woodson Museum fundraiser.  It was well received at the museum as well as on the daily painters website.  A gentleman from Texas loved the painting and wanted one similar to it.  This is the result - a unique original that is similar yet completely different at the same time.
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Trumpeter Swans

Trumpeter Swans  5" x 7"  acrylic  $295

While bird watching with a group of wildlife artists at the Mead Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin, a pair of trumpeter swans flew right by us.  The morning was beautiful with the sun poking through some low lying clouds.  The sight of these two huge birds, which are the largest of our waterfowl species, was awesome!
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Snowy Perch - Cardinal
 10" x 8"   acrylic

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A cardinal perches on a limb as a snowstorm begins.  This bird is in a unique pose with it's wings and feathers fluffing out to insulate itself from the weather.  Unfortunately, we don't have these beautiful birds here in Oregon.  However, I have seen them when I have traveled to areas where they are common and I was able to use one of those birds for this painting. 

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Teton Autumn

Teton Autumn  9" x 12"  acrylic

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Autumn in Grand Teton National Park is a spectacular feast for the eyes.  Here, aspens along the Snake River are lit up by the lowering sun.  The meadow in the foreground already sits in shadows helping to illuminate the trees and in the background, two peaks of the Teton range bathe in the afternoon haze.  This is one of my favorite areas to visit, especially this time of year! If you are interested in seeing this painting while it was in progress, you can find images on my Facebook page.
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Daybreak

Daybreak  15" x 32"  acrylic

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This is a commissioned painting that peacefully depicts daybreak along the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay as a great blue heron stands very still along the far bank.
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Feeding Costa's

Feeding Costa's  4" x 6"
acylic on Bristol

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This is the second painting for the fundraiser benefiting the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in conjunction with the opening weekend of Birds in Art this September 7th - 9th.  My painting, Silence, was chosen for this year's exhibition which will feature artwork from 125 artists including 33 from different countries.
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Over the Tules

Over the Tules  4" x 6"
acrylic on bristol

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A group of Northern Shovelers flies low over some cattails at first light.  Although a common scene throughout the country, this particular scene was inspired by a trip to Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge.  This painting is currently not for sale as it was created for a fundraiser in conjunction with the upcoming Birds in Art exhibition.
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WesternTanager

Western Tanager  5" x 7"  acrylic

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Here in the Pacific Northwest, it seems the population of these striking songbirds has increased.  There were numerous groups along the Metolius River in Central Oregon and I have seen some from my studio window in the Willamette Valley.  They appear to be almost gaudy and tropical because of the male's flashy color.
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Morning Mallard

Morning Mallards  8" x 10"  acrylic  

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A quiet hideaway provides a perfect loafing area for a group of mallard.  I saw this hidden backwater at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, one of my favorite places to watch waterfowl.  The distant water in the background is the famed Chesapeake Bay.

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Canada's Cove

Canada's Cove  5" x 7"  acrylic

A flock of Canada geese enjoys a restful cove as the first rays of morning's light illuminates the grasses helping the geese to stand out.
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First Arrivals

First Arrivals  18" x 24"  acrylic

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The alpenglow background lends to the beauty of the morning as a flock of Canada geese gets ready to land in the decoys.  Higher up, another flock of geese is locked up and zeroed in on the decoys as well - all the ingredients for a perfect morning of hunting.
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Morning Light - Snow Goose

Morning Light - Snow Goose
7" x 5"  acrylic 

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Morning's first light captures this lone snow goose and it's reflection on the calm water.  The goose is enjoying much needed rest after migrating from it's Arctic breeding grounds to it's winter range in the Central Valley of California where I was able to see it.  White in nature is never truly white and painting a white bird is a tricky proposition.  If you look closely at the original you can see a rainbow of colors in the goose's plumage.
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A Touch of Gold

A Touch of  Gold  8" x 10" acrylic $850

The first rays of dawn's golden light touch the treetops as a trio of Canada geese descend into a field to feed.
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Reflections of Blue

Reflections of Blue 5" x 7" acrylic

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A great blue heron wades through still morning waters.  Herons are common throughout the United States and can be seen fishing in most wetlands and sloughs.  However, this particular bird was seen on a crisp fall morning on Maryland's Chesapeake Bay - an area famous for it's wetlands and waterfowl heritage.
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Evening Calm

Evening Calm  5" x 7"  acrylic  $295

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A pair of pintails rest on a calm evening in a shallow wetland that perfectly reflects their images.
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Alaskan Sentinel

Alaskan Sentinel  16" x 20"  acrylic  $3800

On a misty Alaskan day, a bald eagle keeps a watchful eye from atop this coastal rock formation.  This painting will be available at the upcoming Celebration of Wildlife at the Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center in Kenai, Alaska.  The show opens June 1st and runs through the summer.  For more information you can call the visitors center at (907) 283-1991.

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Northern Shores

Northern Shores 5" x 7"  acrylic 

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I've revisited this painting a couple of times and I think I've got it!  Sometimes it pays to wait and look at them for a while.  I have added one more eage - this time closer and with a fish in it's talons.  This adds to the circling effect these birds create when a food source is spotted on the water.  Eagles will come from miles to feast at the 'table'.  This is one of several paintings that will be available at the Celebration of Wildlife at the Kenai Visitors & Cultural Center in Kenai, Alaska beginning June 1st and running through the summer.  The show features original paintings of Alaskan wildlife by many of the top international wildlife artists.
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On a Mission

On a Mission  12" x 9" acrylic 

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A young, enthusiastic yellow lab splashes through the marsh on a mission.  The mission could also be symbolized by the Ducks Unlimited logo on the dogs vest.  Hunters are the largest source of conservation funding used for habitat restoration, acquisition, and development and Ducks Unlimited is the largest waterfowl conservation group in the world and has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for this purpose.
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Meadowlark

Meadowlark  5"x7"  acrylic  $295

The melodic song of the Western Meadowlark is common during Spring on open grasslands.  Although they are brightly colored, these birds can be difficult to spot when in grasses and are more often seen singing from fence posts.  Meadowlarks are related to blackbirds.

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Cactus Wren

Cactus Wren 7" x 5"  acrylic 

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A cactus wren peeks from the middle of a giant saguaro cactus.  They are the largest birds in the wren family and are very common in desert environments as they are able to survive without any freestanding water.
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Rockets

Rockets  5" x 5"  acrylic 

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A small group of ringneck ducks rockets by with their wings cupped.  When these ducks are coming in, especially in windy conditions, they sound like jets approaching!
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Almanor Memories

Almanor Memories  16" x 32"  acrylic

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A color study of this painting was posted on this blog a couple of months ago.  This is the finished piece - a commissioned painting of a families favorite spot on a beautiful clear day at Lake Almanor in CA.  The dad is pointing at some distant geese as the family enjoys a special moment that is forever captured in paint.

March Snow

March Snow  5" x 7"  acrylic 

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Today, there was an unusual snowstorm in the Willamette Valley in Oregon.  Normally, we get a couple of small snowfalls a year during the winter months and it melts away by afternoon.  However, this morning we woke up to a couple of inches and it's been snowing all day long!  Very unusual.  When things like this happen, I go out look for painting opportunities and this is the result of today's foray into the spring snow.
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High Rollers - Canvasbacks

High Rollers - Canvasbacks
5" x 7"  acrylic

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A pair of canvasbacks ride over a wave in some choppy water.  These ducks have the ability to dive deep for many types of food but it's favorite is wild celery buds.  The sloping forehead distinguishes this duck from other species in the field and is echoed by the slope of the wave.

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