Wildlife References— the human way

Allows for close observation and detailed photographs, despite a human-created environment which alters behavior and physicality — a consideration when painting their portraits. The painting approach becomes more about design and a reflection on the iconographic quality of the animal (the impact of an image of a black bear, a red fox, a wolf…).

With Composure, 36” x 36”, acrylic on canvas, 2023. The pose could be seen as submissive, contemplative, or a quiet build-up to aggression.

Traces of water/light reflected effect in the brushstrokes on the bottom right.

An accumulation of structure in the facial features. Faint traces of previous work maintained.

Glory, 36” x 36”, acrylic on canvas, 2023 (Red Wolf reference). A painted bust for wildlife.

Creating wildlife sketches in a more humanized setting— a stylized, minimalism focused on basic principles of design to correlate with our human perspective on something wild.

Vox Clamantis in Deserto, 36” x 36”, mixed media on canvas, 2023 (Red Fox reference [ “voice calling out to the wilderness”])

A recent batch of photographs taken from the WNC Nature Center in Asheville, NC.

Rehabilitated wildlife in a human environment.

Red Fox, Vulpes vulpes

North American River Otter, Lontra canadensis

Hellbender, Cryptobranchus alleganiensis

Other photographs taken from previous visits —

Eastern Box Turtle, Terrapene carolina carolina

Rattlesnake

Grey Wolf, Canis lupus

Grey Wolf

Grey Fox, Urocyon cinereoargenteus