I just arrived in the Grand Teton National Park for some research for new paintings as well as a little painting in the parks – both Grand Teton and Yellowstone. I have a bit of work to do. :)
Painting Research in the Rocky Mountains
Spring is a wonderful time of year in the back areas of our national parks. There are so many wildflowers on display. Today was spent viewing habitat of the Rocky Mountain National Park. The seasonal conditions have not been the best in the area. However, in spite of that we were able to see a wide variety of wildlife.
The highlight of the outing would definitely have to be the Bighorn Sheep. Our studies brought us to the alpine areas of the park, where a stag party of the sheep were gathered sunning themselves on the side of the mountains. Most of the time seeing wildlife like this requires high powered scopes, lenses, and other visual equipment, but this group of bighorn seemed to find us a little interesting. They made their way across the roadway, some of them only a car-length away from us, and marched their way over the top of the mountain. Beautiful. A little later we also came across several ewes and their lambs feeding in the cliffs. The lambs couldn’t have been more than a few days old.
Colorodo’s Rocky Mountain National Park
The Rocky Mountain National Park is defiantly a beautiful and inspiring place for an artist. I have never been to this park before, so it is a new experience for me. :) I can already tell that it will certainly be featured in a number of my new paintings. :D
The Arts for the Parks exhibit tour held it’s opening in Estes Park this evening. We attended the exhibition premiere — one of my Mom’s paintings is in the top 100 show tour that is on display. It was wonderful to meet all of the artists that came to the event. Thanks to the arts society for their efforts in hosting the event. 
Newly Completed Painting
I just finished up a painting that has been in my studio for a while. It is my 9×12 rabbit painting in a spotty grass patch. It is already sold and will be leaving for it’s new home shortly. :)
Miniature Rabbit Painting in Progress
Here is the progress of my little rabbit painting. I have been working on the miniature a little bit today and should have it completed soon. :) The painting size is 8" x 10".
Miniature Moose Painting
Here is the progress of my Bull Moose miniature painting. I have some of the habitat yet to complete, but it is shaping up fairly well, I think. :)
Just off the Easel – Completed Painting
I just put the finishing touches on this piece. :) I have a few of my other artworks in progress that are close to the final stages of painting as well, so I’ll have to get those on the blog as well.
The cougar painting is 11" x 14". It has a very striking look to it, I think – like a predator on the prowl. It will have it’s debute in Jackson Hole, Wyoming at Galleries West Fine Art.
Oops. Scratch that.
No matter how well things are planned out, something always seems to mess it up. It never fails. Murphy’s Law, I suppose. But somehow, everything always turns out just fine, or even better than we had hoped for. Odd, isn’t it? :)
This is a recent image of the fox painting that I’m working on right now. I originally intended for the piece to debut at a miniature art exhibition that I was invited to show in. Unfortunately, because of my earlier wildlife encounter and the number of sore spots that came with it, I have been unable to complete the piece and had to send other finished work for the show opening.
Not to worry. :D I will be completing the piece for another exhibition later this year – at least if everything goes as planned. ;)
Blossoms, Butterflies & Summertime
It seems that summer has finally arrived here in Minnesota. The aroma of blooming flowers is in the air and butterflies are dancing through all of the fresh blossoms. I don’t think an artist can help but be inspired to paint something cheerful and bright with such influence around them. :)
Travel the Country – Wild Southwest
I have been able to study and travel to many beautiful areas, and am very fortunate. It is fantastic to have so many subjects to choose from. :) Decisions, decisions. I will post some of these new paintings that are being planned out in a bit. :)
Aside from dreaming of new paintings and past outings and excursions, I have been making the final adjustments to my 11"x14" cougar painting, so I will be posting it on the blog soon. :) A photo of an earlier version of the color phase is in my online studio at the moment, for those who are interested.
