Follow Your Art

"Sign of Spring"

2009-04-05T16:47:00.001-07:00

Oil on Cradled Panel
3" x 3"

Red-winged Blackbird
Livingston, Montana

"Fox Kit"

2009-04-04T16:51:00.000-07:00

Oil on Cradled Panel
4" x 4"

Red Fox
Jackson, Wyoming

"Dappled"

2009-04-03T17:54:00.000-07:00

Graphite

"Two of a Kind"

2009-04-02T17:52:00.000-07:00

Graphite

"Tree Hugger"

2009-03-31T08:45:00.001-07:00

Oil on Canvas
68" x 42"
2008

Black Bear (Cinnamon)

SOLD

"Nappin'"

2009-03-29T09:03:00.001-07:00

Oil on Canvas
12" x 24"
2008

Trumpetor Swan
Jackson, Wyoming

SOLD

"Vixen"

2009-03-27T08:31:00.002-07:00

Oil on Canvas
24" x 12"
2008

Red Fox
Jackson, Wyoming

SOLD

"Grass Bound"

2009-03-26T08:11:00.003-07:00

Oil on Canvas
36" x 48"
2008

Coyote
Grand Teton National Park
Wyoming

"Cliff Dweller"

2009-03-25T08:28:00.001-07:00

Oil on Canvas
48" x 30"
2008

Bald Eagle
Unalaska Island
Alaska

"Out on a Limb"

2009-03-12T13:12:00.000-07:00

Oil on Canvas
68" x 42"
2008

Tree Sparrow
Halle, Germany

SOLD

"Prairie Preyer"

2009-03-03T13:28:00.002-07:00

Oil on Canvas
68" x 42"
2008

Scissortail Flycatcher
Texas Hill Country

"Keepin' Up with Mama"

2009-03-01T11:44:00.004-07:00

Oil on Linen
36" x 36"
2009

Grizzly with Cub
Yellowstone National Park

Prints Available

"Snow King"

2009-02-15T12:14:00.003-07:00

Oil on Linen
30" x 40"
2009

Elk
Yellowstone National Park

Prints Available

"Sunset Stroll"

2009-02-14T12:11:00.005-07:00

Oil on Linen
24" x 36"
2009

Grizzly
Yellowstone National Park

Prints Available

"Lady in Red"

2009-02-13T11:38:00.004-07:00

Oil on Linen
18" x 24"
2009

Red Fox
Jackson, Wyoming

Prints Available

"Paddlin' Around"

2009-02-12T11:36:00.006-07:00

Oil on Linen
24" x 36"
2009

Black Labrador

Prints Available

"Butterfly Hunter"

2009-02-07T08:15:00.003-07:00

Oil on Linen
20" x 24"
2009

Red Fox
Jackson, Wyoming

"Griz Girl"

2008-12-11T07:49:00.004-07:00

Oil on Canvas
30" x 30"
2008

Grizzly Cub
Yellowstone National Park

Prints Available

"Pool Party"

2008-12-09T11:33:00.003-07:00

Oil on Canvas
36" x 48"
2008

Grizzly Cubs
Grand Teton National Park

Prints Available

"Alpha"

2008-11-11T15:29:00.002-07:00

Oil on Linen
36" x 48"
2008

Gray Wolf
Yellowstone National Park

SOLD

"Sittin' Pretty"

2008-11-09T12:17:00.003-07:00

Oil on Linen
30" x 30"
2008

Red Fox Kit
Jackson, Wyoming

SOLD

Prints Available

"Powder Run"

2008-11-01T15:31:00.002-07:00

Oil on Linen
30" x 30"
2008

Red Fox

SOLD

"Fishing Line"

2008-10-09T15:50:00.002-07:00

Oil on Linen
20" x 20"
2008

Belted Kingfisher

"Hello Kitty"

2008-07-09T15:52:00.002-07:00

Oil on Linen
24" x 24"
2008

SOLD

"Crossing Guard"

2008-06-14T11:52:00.003-07:00

Oil on Linen
24" x 36"
2008

SOLD

"Fire Fly"

2008-04-14T14:33:00.003-07:00

Oil on Linen
Quad-tych:

8" x 48"
8" x 48"
12" x 48"
8" x 48"

"Dust Devil"

2008-04-14T11:49:00.001-07:00

Oil on Canvas
60" x 72"
2008

SOLD

"Ground Forces"

2008-04-13T14:31:00.005-07:00

Oil on Linen
12" x 48"

Yellow-headed Blackbirds
Grand Teton National Park
Wyoming

Prints Available

"Fox in the Hole"

2008-04-09T16:15:00.004-07:00

Oil on Linen
12" x 12"
2008

Red Fox
Bear River NWR
Brigham City, Utah

SOLD

"Foxtrot"

2008-03-15T12:27:00.003-07:00

Oil on Linen
30" x 30"
2008

"Giggy Life Sketch"

2005-06-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

A sleepy little Giggy caught in pencil line from life several years ago.

Painting "Walk On"

2005-06-19T04:45:00.000-07:00

Here's the next one up. I love to name paintings after songs, so this one is dedicated to John Hiatt! This initial sketch is done with brush, turp, ultramarine blue and transparent red oxide.

I always try to start with "transparent" colors worked thin (I use only turp,no mediums) Bringing in heavy opaques too early muddies the color.

Here, I've given her a face right off...maybe the facelessness experience with "...Balance" still haunts me. :-)

What I love about this particular bear was her structure. When you watch a bear, even ambling, you cannot help but appreciate their extraordinary strength.

In case there was any doubt that I paint with passion and energy: The brush on the bottom is new, the brush on the top was new two days ago.

So, why doesn't she have a background? Originally I'd planned a sort of abstract background for this bear...but she is "asking" for something different and we haven't come to an agreement, yet.

The "journey" of a painting, for me, sometimes means letting go of my goals and letting the piece take you where it wants to go. So negotiations regarding background continue...

She won...the "new" background is from this bear's stomping grounds along Mary Bay.

The colors of the reddish and green vegetation and the yellowish sulfur pool balance against her. The mass of trees behind her and the steam make good abstract elements.

In the original drawing the space above/behind her was almost balanced with the space below/in front. I am using the environmental elements to break that space up, yet still keep a sort of yin/yang effect.

After letting this one "breathe" for a while, I am back at it. This piece breaks some "rules"...the viewer isn't "held within" the painting. I want the viewer to feel the bear is passing through.

"Walk On"
Available through Visions West Gallery.

And...
there she is...

Studio

2005-06-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

My studio...there are several easels around the house for wet pieces (like the one behind "Diva", where another wet griz piece awaits my attention). When a painting binge hits, all possible surfaces may be home to wet paintings.

Painting "Deadfall Diva"

2005-06-16T05:17:00.000-07:00

Inspiration hit last night. This is the initial sketch for "Deadfall Diva" 48"x72". I blocked this piece in last night then stepped away to let it settle in.

Note the area around the face...this will be the focal point, so I am working on balancing light and dark as well as the leading lines of the logs.

Beginning to bring in some serious darks. Still working with very thin paint...especially on the logs where I hope for an almost translucent effect.

Still trying to find a balance of value and contrast around the head/focal point. Continuing to work the logs with thin paint letting the brush work define the texture. Time to break for food, though.

Decided to block in the mass of the griz so I can work on balancing the lights and darks overall.

She's coming along...I am blocking in the darks right now, again, with thin paint. As it dries I will come back with highlights and definition.

Playing with some different patterns of logs in the background. This sow and her yearling were haunting the Northwest part of YNP. This painting is based on a day spent watching her and her cub.

One advantage of working fast and thin is that I can move the paint around without getting muddy color ...if I'm careful. Starting to build texture and depth in her coat.

Bringing a little more post-fire growth to Diva's world. Still working on designing the "leading lines" of the deadfall logs.

This is the point where I slow down a LOT. I step back almost every couple of strokes and consider what the piece needs. Time to soften some edges, sharpen others. Look at overall balance...and anatomy.

Detail of the "Diva"...

"Deadfall Diva"

Finished...

"Surfer Gulls"

2005-06-15T12:20:00.004-07:00

Oil on Linen
36" x 48"
2007

One of the most spectacular sightings from my October trip to Barrow, Alaska was the Ross' gulls. They came in with a storm and worked the surf of the Arctic ocean. Contrary to the "faint wash of pink" described by most field guides, some of these gulls were bright, almost "flamingo" pink. Gorgeous against the gray green surf...

SOLD

"Skimmin' the Soup"

2005-06-15T10:06:00.005-07:00

Oil on Linen
36"x48"
2006

This gull did a flyby as we were leaving Ocean Shores after shooting Snowy Owls.

SOLD

"Skimmin the Surf"

2005-06-15T06:32:00.002-07:00

Oil on Linen
36" x 48"
2007

Willet
Gulf Coast, Florida

Prints Available

"Fire in the Sky"

2005-06-14T23:57:00.002-07:00

Oil on Canvas
24x36

Raven Courtship
Unalaska, Alaska

SOLD

"Meeting on the 'Net"

2005-06-14T23:56:00.002-07:00

"Oil on Canvas
48x48

Ravens
Unalaska, Alaska

"Magpie"

2005-06-14T23:44:00.001-07:00

Oil on Linen
18"x6"
2004

SOLD

"View From the Top"

2005-06-14T23:03:00.001-07:00

Oil on Board
22"x28"
2004

SOLD

"Pick-Up Line"

2005-06-14T19:30:00.002-07:00

"Pick-up Line"
Oil on Linen
12" x 24"

Ravens
Driggs, Idaho

"Lookin' Up"

2005-06-14T16:16:00.002-07:00

Oil on Linen
8" x 8"

SOLD

"Profile"

2005-06-14T16:13:00.002-07:00

Oil on Linen
8" x 8"
2007

"Thin Blue Line"

2005-06-14T15:25:00.001-07:00

Oil on Canvas
24" x 24"

A good example of my current fascination with Ravens...and red.

SOLD

"Cornerstone"

2005-06-14T15:24:00.000-07:00

Oil on Canvas
24" x 24"

"Raven"

2005-06-14T13:50:00.003-07:00

Oil on Canvas
12" x 12"
2007

"Conspiracy"

2005-06-14T13:25:00.002-07:00

Oil on canvas
48x60

Collection of the Worrell Museum

SOLD

"Love is in the Air"

2005-06-14T11:50:00.001-07:00

Oil on Linen
20"x24"
2005

Raven Courtship
Unalaska, Alaska

Red Raven Left

2005-06-14T11:29:00.001-07:00

Oil on Canvas
36" x 36"

SOLD.

Red Raven Right

2005-06-14T11:28:00.001-07:00

Oil on Canvas
30" x 36"

SOLD.

"Flyby"

2005-06-14T11:17:00.000-07:00

Mixed Media (Oil and Pastel) on Canvas

24" x 36"

"Flurry"

2005-06-14T09:53:00.001-07:00

Oil on Canvas
20x16

Magpie in the snow, Idaho

"On the Ledge"

2005-06-14T09:39:00.001-07:00

Oil on Canvas
24" x 24"
2006

"Run Raven"

2005-06-14T09:21:00.001-07:00

Oil on Canvas
36" x 36"
2007

"Run Raven" was juried into the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum's 2007 "Birds in Art" exhibit and tour.

"Raven Study"

2005-06-14T07:49:00.002-07:00

Oil on Linen
8" x 8"
2007

SOLD

"Highway Robber"

2005-06-14T07:46:00.002-07:00

Oil on Canvas
22" x 28"
2007

SOLD

"Flight Pattern"

2005-06-14T01:05:00.001-07:00

Oil on Canvas
18"x18"
2004

"Cynosure"

2005-06-12T19:20:00.001-07:00

Oil on Canvas
24x28
2004

SOLD

"Grasshopper"

2005-06-12T16:17:00.001-07:00

Oil on Linen
20" x 20"
2007

Coyote
Yellowstone National Park

SOLD

"Pounce"

2005-06-12T15:26:00.002-07:00

Oil on Canvas
36" x 36"
2006

SOLD

"Song Dog"

2005-06-12T09:24:00.002-07:00

Oil on Linen
9" x 12"

SOLD

"Snow Bound"

2005-06-12T07:42:00.002-07:00

Oil on Canvas
48" x 60
2007

Coyote
Yellowstone National Park

SOLD

"Lift Off"

2005-06-12T07:39:00.001-07:00

Oil on Canvas
48" x 60"
2007

Coyote
Yellowstone National Park

SOLD

"In Sync"

2005-06-11T16:20:00.001-07:00

Oil on Linen
24" x 36"

2006

SOLD

"Companions"

2005-06-11T13:33:00.007-07:00

Oil on Canvas
36x48

SOLD

"Dynamic Duo"

2005-06-11T13:33:00.005-07:00

"Dynamic Duo"
Oil on Linen
12x24

SOLD

"Encounter at Dawn"

2005-06-11T13:32:00.003-07:00

Oil on Linen
30x20
2007

SOLD

"Over the Hill"

2005-06-11T13:31:00.003-07:00

Oil on Canvas
36x60

SOLD

"Calling for Backup"

2005-06-11T13:30:00.004-07:00

Oil on Canvas
40x40

"Gentlin'"

2005-06-10T16:47:00.002-07:00

Oil on Linen
16" x 20"
2006

SOLD

"Pushin' Beef"

2005-06-10T13:28:00.001-07:00

Oil on Linen
18"x24"
2005

SOLD

"High Lonesome"

2005-06-10T13:27:00.001-07:00

Oil on Linen
16"x20"
2005

SOLD

"A Word with the Boss"

2005-06-10T10:56:00.002-07:00

Oil on Canvas
36x48
2004

SOLD

"Grace & Grit"

2005-06-10T07:00:00.003-07:00

The title is taken from one of my favorite phrases: "Grace, Grit and Gratitude".

When I'm in a pre-show painting binge, it is often the last group of paintings that really gel.

...the ones that come after I think I can't paint any more, after I have "enough" work and tell the muse to lay off the whip. After I cut myself a little slack and try to take a break.

The paintings of the last few days were like that...all drawn from someplace beyond what I thought I was capable of energy-wise and all pushed in a bit of a new direction technique-wise. "Grace" took that one step further.
I was about to take the night off when a gentle phone conversation with a friend shifted my focus. After the call, I stopped painting and relaxed.

Almost immediately something called me back to the easel. It is rare that I paint late in the evening. I am a morning painter: clearer head, better light. Not with this one, though.

Last night I worked at that easel, compelled to paint, into the wee hours of the morning. Even then, I had to force myself to quit and try to sleep. Early this morning, I finished her.

I love it when everything comes together and a piece just seems to flow right out of you.

One of the questions most artists hate is "How long did it take you to paint that?" The best answer I ever heard was "35 years". Every painting is a culmination of all that led up to it...it is earned through practice, determination, long hours, encounters, experiences, conversations, insatiable curiosity, an open mind and a deep appreciation of your world and everything in it. In other words...

Grace. Grit. Gratitude.

"Office Space"

2005-06-10T06:35:00.001-07:00

Oil on Linen
30" x 40"
2007

Beats a corner office any day...

"Crossing Open Ground"

2005-06-10T00:36:00.001-07:00

Oil on Canvas
36"x48"
2004

SOLD

"On the Rocks"

2005-06-09T15:56:00.000-07:00

Oil on Linen
14" x 18"
2008

SOLD

"Aykaau"

2005-06-09T12:56:00.001-07:00

Oil on Linen
16x20
2005

SOLD

"Pounce"

2005-06-09T12:17:00.000-07:00

24" x 24"

Oil on Linen

2007

SOLD.

"Unalaskan"

2005-06-09T11:59:00.001-07:00

Oil on Linen
14x18
2005

SOLD

"Into the Wind"

2005-06-09T11:58:00.001-07:00

Oil on Linen
18x36
2005

SOLD

"Cold Pause"

2005-06-09T11:57:00.001-07:00

"Cold Pause"

"Cold Pause"
Oil on Linen
12x16

SOLD

"Roka"

2005-06-09T11:55:00.003-07:00

"Roka"

"Roka"
Oil on Linen
14x18

SOLD

"Birdwatching"

2005-06-09T11:55:00.002-07:00

Oil on Linen
14x18
2005

SOLD

"Crossing Open Ground" (Study)

2005-06-09T11:23:00.001-07:00

Oil on Linen

9" x 12"

SOLD.

"Seeing Red"

2005-06-09T10:38:00.000-07:00

Oil on Canvas

20" x 20"

Red Fox

Unalaska
Aleutian Islands
Alaska

2007

SOLD

"On Your Mark"

2005-06-09T10:05:00.001-07:00

Oil on Linen
30"x40"

SOLD.

"Little Mulie"

2005-06-08T23:43:00.001-07:00

Oil on Board
22"x28"
2004

SOLD

"Legend of the Fall"

2005-06-08T12:20:00.001-07:00

Oil on Linen
40" x 30"
2007
Mule Deer Buck
Yellowstone National Park

SOLD

"Montana Madonna"

2005-06-08T11:23:00.002-07:00

Oil on Linen
24x36

I saw this little Mulie mama and her fawn near Livingston, Montana.

SOLD

"Fall Girl"

2005-06-08T11:03:00.002-07:00

Oil on Linen
10" x 10"

SOLD.

"Winter Fawn"

2005-06-08T07:56:00.001-07:00

Oil on Linen
12" x 16"

SOLD

"Fawn"

2005-06-08T07:36:00.001-07:00

Oil on Linen
12" x 12"
2007

"Sheltered by the Sage"

2005-06-08T06:33:00.003-07:00

Oil on Canvas
24" x 48"
2007

Mule Deer
Grand Teton National Park

"On Ice"

2005-06-07T17:12:00.001-07:00

Oil on Linen
12"x16"

Canada Goose
Jackson, Wyoming

SOLD

"Alert"

2005-06-07T16:48:00.001-07:00

Oil on Linen
6" x 8"

A Pintail painted from life...
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Eastern Shore, Maryland
2007

SOLD

"Ghosts in the Steam"

2005-06-07T16:28:00.004-07:00

Oil on Linen
20" x 20"
2007

Trumpeter Swans
Gros Ventre
Grand Teton National Park

SOLD

"Lady's Choice"

2005-06-07T16:28:00.003-07:00

Oil on Canvas
12" x 48"
2007

SOLD

"Kamenushka"

2005-06-07T16:27:00.002-07:00

"Kamenushka"
Oil on Linen
12x16
2006

Harlequin Drake
Unalaska, Alaska