The natural wilderness is filled with extremely beautiful and breathtaking views, habitats, and creatures. Nonetheless, it is a wild and rugged terrain that is treacherous. Many of the beautiful creatures that I study to render in my work are predators. Because of this, there is always a certain danger to study them — whether it is in a zoo, on a wilderness safari, or with a trained animal. But danger or not, there is no magnificence like anything I have been able to observe anywhere other than in the spirit of wild creatures or their untamed environment.
Being raised in a family that has a bond with the outdoors and the environment, I have always been taught to respect it. In travels and adventures to capture the essence of wildlife and wild places, my family and I have been in a number of close encounters, including being charged by bears, stalked by tigers and leopards, knocked off our feet by wolves, grizzlies that are a bit too close to the hiking trail, and most recently, attacked by a cougar that plays a little rough (teeth in the base of my neck was a bit too far for me).
I am always striving to represent the beauty and delicacy of nature in my work, but I also hope the significance of each species is conveyed as well. Nature and all of the wildlife that resides in it is to be taken seriously and should be valued. Each small part of our world makes up the delicate ecosystem that holds our lives in balance.
Springtime is a time of new growth and renewal. It is constantly changing. New blossoms and plants are busy unfurling for the coming seasons. Songbirds have recently arrived from their winter vacation spots and are again singing in the treetops. I find it is very uplifting and inspiring to get out of the studio and experience it. :)
I get quite a few questions at exhibitions and via email about various aspects of being a professional artist. One of which is the subject of commissioned work. As you may already know, I am working on quite a number of commissions at the moment. All of them on display on various easels in my studio. I have a great deal more of them than I did a short time ago. If the murmurings are correct, my prediction is that there will only be more of them in the future. It is a little overwhelming at times, having so many things just "waiting" for me in my studio. ;)