I am doing some landscape studies today — seeing some of the different terrains in the area. There are so much variety in the habitats out here in the Western US. :) 
Western Wildlife and Landscapes – Yellowston National Park & Gallitan National Forest
Today was spent focusing on the landscape and environment that will be featured in some of our new work. We did come across quite a few animals while we were doing our research today as well. Pronghorn, Elk, Bears, deer, bison, wolves, and a few other small mammals were out and about in the field.
A part of our excursion was to hike to see some of the wildflowers and habitats. The wildflowers in the park are in full bloom right now. Seeing meadows filled with these is a spectacular sight. We came across so many varieties of flowers, including a mountain Iris — I hadn’t seen one of these in the wild before, so this was a treat. ;)
Unfortunately, the end of our studies was cut short by a severe hail storm that passed through Paradise Valley and a portion of Yellowstone. Even with the weather disrupting our work, we were able to see some very inspiring scenes and wildlife during our outing. :)
Seeing Yellowstone National Park
A little park touring today in Yellowstone for some new reference and study. There is so much to see!! I could spend a full season here and not se everything. :)
There seems to be more wildlife in the park this year. Mountain Bluebirds, coyote, bears, bison, elk, deer, and wolves. We were even able to see several bald eagles as well. :)
Western “Studio” Painting
I have been doing a bit of, um, "studio" painting here in Paradise Valley, Montana. I am just about finished with a couple of new paintings. :)
There have been thunder storms passing through today. This evening as the storms passed, the valley was filled with a full double rainbow — the brightest that I’ve seen. :)
Mountains, Paintings, & Inspiration
Today is the last day of our show here in Montana. It has been so nice to meet everyone — thanks for visiting the show!!
I am just about finished with the new cougar painting that I started here a few days ago. I will be putting the finishing touches on the painting back in the studio, but it shouldn’t take too long to have it completed. :)
Gallery Painting – Cougar Watercolor
The cougar painting has progressed a bit. Most of the fur has now been painted in. I should have the painting nearly complete by the end of our show here at the Moose Horn Gallery. :)
Gallery Artist Reception & Cougar Painting
Our show at the Moose Horn Gallery in Paradise Valley (near Livingston, Montana) opened today, with the artist reception this evening. I have an easel set up in the gallery and have been painting on my new cougar piece during the reception. Things are going well ;)
Yellowstone & Grand Teton
I spent a little time in the Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks for some inspiration, study, etc. There were quite a few elk in the area, as well as a few other animals. There is always something new to see. :D I just love visiting this place to see all of the wildlife, not to mention the unique landscape. :)
Starting Cougar Painting – Sketch Phase
I just started sketching out a cougar, as you can see in the photo. I’ll be painting in the Moose Horn Gallery during our show, so this piece will be the in-progress painting that I will be working on. The cougar in this piece is from a rescue facility for wild animals that were ‘pets’ and were mistreated and/or could no longer be cared for by their owners.
New Miniature Painting Completed
I just finished a new wolf puppy painting "Bump on a Log". The little wolf that is featured in the painting had a lot of personality and really enjoyed getting into trouble. ;) I tried to capture his mischievous tendencies in the expression of the piece.
I will have the painting up for the show reception at Galleries West on Friday night. :)